A cyclonic-static micro bubble flotation column for enhancing coalescence of oil droplets from emulsion

In this work a novel cyclonic-static micro bubble flotation column, using hydraulic separator with a conventional flotation column, was developed to separate oil droplets from emulsions. The system integrated the cyclonic and laminar flow coalescence with the pipe flow coalescence. The effect of process parameters such as circulation pressure, aeration rate, feed volumetric flow rate and viscosity of fluid on the efficiency of multi-flow pattern coalescence was investigated. The obtained results indicated that the coalescence efficiency increased with the circulation pressure, feed volumetric flow rate and aeration rate, whereas an increase in viscosity of fluid reduced the extent of coalescence. Besides, the size distribution of oil droplets in the cyclonic separator, pipe flow section and column flotation section were simulated in the flotation column using a special software. The simulation was compared with experimental data on the mean size of oil droplets.