Optimization of induced gas flotation parameters for removal efficiency of near-water-density oils using response surface methodology

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

Abstract

Induced gas flotation (IGF) is an efficient physical method for separating dispersed oil from produced water. This study optimized IGF parameters for oils with near-water density (specific gravity ≈ 0.9 g.cm-3) using response surface methodology (RSM). Experiments evaluated flotation time, air-flow rate, salinity, oil concentration, and temperature. Oil-separation efficiency, defined as the percentage ratio of recovered oil mass to the initial oil mass, was measured in a 2 lit glass column equipped with a silicone-membrane bubbler. The RSM model identified flotation time and salinity as dominant factors (p < 0.05). Optimum conditions (45 min, 0.5 L.min⁻¹ air flow, 20 g.lit⁻¹ salinity, 1000 ppm oil, 20 °C) yielded approximately 70 % removal efficiency, with higher temperatures reducing efficiency due to increased oil solubility. The results confirm the applicability of IGF to challenge near-density oil systems and provide an experimentally validated optimization framework.

Graphical Abstract

Optimization of induced gas flotation parameters for removal efficiency of near-water-density oils using response surface methodology

Highlights

  • Induced gas flotation (IGF) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM).
  • Salinity and flotation time were identified as the most influential parameters.
  • Maximum 70 % oil-removal efficiency was achieved at 1000 ppm, 20 g.lit⁻¹ salinity, 45 min.
  • Demonstrated IGF’s potential for treating oils with near-water density.
  • Provides guidance for chemical-free optimization of oil-water separation.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by IROST.

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Journal of Particle Science and Technology
Volume 11, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 27-37

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 28 October 2025

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