Abstract
The removal of emulsified residual oil from water is an important issue due to the increasing concern with the environment. In the present paper various surface chemistry aspects of dissolved gas flotation were studied aiming at a better understanding of the mechanisms of the process. These studies included surface and interfacial tension measurements of a model system composed of n-dodecane in the presence and absence of nonyl-phenol.
After bubble/drop contact and rupture of the water film, oil drops have a tendency to spread over the bubble surfaces. Critical micelle concentration and spreading coefficients determinations were undertaken at different NaCl concentrations. The spreading coefficient proved to be a critical parameter in oil droplets flotation. The spreading coefficient increased with increasing salt concentration.
An experimental setup was designed to measure the induction contact time between single n-dodecane droplets and air bubbles. Induction time decreased with increasing salt concentration. In the presence of the nonyl-phenol aqueous solution, induction time decreased with time of stabilization. On the other hand, induction time increased with time of stabilization when nonyl-phenol was added to the organic phase. The mechanisms involved are discussed and some results obtained in a dissolved air flotation batch unit in which bubbles size was measured and controlled are also presented.
