The synthesis of a novel magnetic demulsifier and its application for the demulsification of oil-charged industrial wastewaters

Abstract

Water produced from alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding technology is more difficult to treat than that from water flooding. In this study, a novel magnetic demulsifier, called M-5010, was synthesized through the reaction of 5010, a type of demulsifier currently used in oilfields, and epoxy group functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ microspheres. The oil removal rates and effect of the demulsifier dosage as well as the settling time were investigated. It was found that the oil removal rate of M-5010 was higher than that of 5010 under the same conditions. In addition, M-5010 can be recycled and reused by using an external magnetic field that acts as a material phase separator. Accordingly, we found that M-5010 is still effective after being reused for 5 cycles. Our results indicate that the magnetic demulsifier we fabricated can be used as an effective and recyclable material for the removal of oil from oil contaminated wastewater.