emulsification

[dkilburn]

This post is in reference to an emulsion issue we are having at one of our groundwater remediation systems. The problem initially surfaced when we realized that we were getting MTBE breakthrough (through two carbon vessels, about 350 lbs) at an alarming rate. Since, we have added an air stripper tray and another system component called a stripperator (oil/water separator and air stripper combined). However, we are still getting MTBE breakthrough
We believe we have an emulsion issue and have questions on how to proceed.
We recently ran a set of samples for surfactants and oils and greases on the system influent.

The results:

surfactants (MBAS) – 0.090mg/L

oil and grease – 3.5mg/L

We are looking for a possible mecanical solution to this problem. We feel that a injection of and chemical or biological will create equal or greater problems.

 

[CESSNA1]

DKILBURN: You may want to check if carbon will retain MTBE. Carbon does not retain all chemicals. I assume you are stripping a gasoline contamined site. If the carbon retains the gasoline then the MTBE is passing on through. One final point. Are you sure the lab data is correct.

Regards
Dave