Abstract |
Based on laboratory studies, a 30 ton per hour pilot plant was built for cleaning oil contaminated beach sands. The plant utilized the principle of froth flotation. Extensive field testing considered different oils, feed concentrations, both brackish and sea water, and a range of processing conditions. These varied from nominal runs with sand feed rates of 30 tons per hour and oil concentrations of 0.5% to oil/water separations at high capacity. Using the test results, a mobile unit was designed, constructed, and field tested. Data was obtained on the effects on cleaning efficiency of relevant process parameters. The mobile unit operated successfully under a wide range of conditions. These tests and design are presented. |