Flocculation of Wastewater Produced in Polymer Flooding
油田聚合物驱采出污水絮凝过程研究

The particle size distribution, flocculation index, Zeta potential and oil content in water were tested during flocculation of wastewater produced in polymer flooding of oil field. CHP-03, a mixture of a modified pluronic demulsifer and a weak-cationic flocculant, was used to improve the efficiency of oil droplet collision. The effects of polyacrylamide, temperature, and mixing speed on flocculation dynamics are discussed. Polyacrylamide affects the oil-water separation by obstructing the aggregation of small oil droplets, but electrostatic repulsion is not a major factor in preventing flocculation. The local temperature has a limited effect on flocculation. Fast mixing favors the growth of flocs, while slow mixing is suitable for the coalescence of oil droplets. Addition of 250mg/L CHP-03 can enhance the oil-water separation and remove 92% of the oil content.