Abstract:
Oil sludge is a complex mixture of water, solids, heavy hydrocarbons, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals that remains in storage tanks and
facilities. Its composition varies based on the origin of the oil, refinery processes,
and the equipment and reagents used.
Presently, ARL employs incineration and bioremediation for oil sludge treatment,
but both methods have disadvantages. Incineration leads to harmful emissions,
while bioremediation is time-consuming. Additionally, neither of these process
produces a useful product. On the other hand, gasification of oil sludge for
hydrogen production offers an environmentally friendly alternative as it utilizes
waste instead of non-renewable sources like natural gas. In our proposed design,
the initial step involves converting oil sludge into syngas through a gasification
process. Various reactors facilitate partial oxidation, thermal cracking, reduction,
and char gasification. Air and superheated steam serve as gasifying and oxidation
agents. Afterwards, a cyclone separator is utilized to remove ash from the syngas.
Subsequently, hydrogen is recovered via steam reforming and shift reactions.
This proposed methodology of hydrogen production from oil sludge gasification
has been deemed feasible from both environmental and economic perspectives.
Economic analysis and equipment design confirm its viability and ability to
produce hydrogen. Moreover, the project aligns with several United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals, including Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry,
Innovation and Infrastructure, and Responsible Consumption and Production.
