Study the Application of Ultrasonic Technology for Phenol Removal in Petroleum Industry

Abstract

In this study, the sonochemical degradation of phenol in water was investigated using two types of ultrasonic wave generators; 20 kHz ultrasonic processor and 40 kHz ultrasonic cleaner bath. Mineralization rates were determined as a function of phenol concentration, contact time, pH, power density, and type of ultrasonic generator. Results revealed that sonochemical degradation of the phenol conversion was enhanced at increased applied power densities and acidic conditions. At 10 mg/L initial concentration of phenol, pH 7, and applied power density of 3000 W/L, the maximum removal efficiency of phenol was 93% using ultrasonic processor at 2h contact time. Whereby, it was 87% using and ultrasonic cleaner bath at 16h contact time and 150 W/L power density. Kinetic models applied to the sonolysis of phenol was evaluated for the first-order, pseudo-first-order, second- order, and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The experimental data fitted very well the first-order kinetic model.

Keywords

• ultrasonic, son chemical degradation, phenol, petroleum industry, wastewater