Macro porous polymer extraction (MPPE) is to be employed to reuse water contaminated with hydrocarbons on the world’s largest offshore floating facility 475 km northeast of Broome, Western Australia.
VWS MPP Systems, a subsidiary of Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, is to use the system under a contract awarded by the Technip Samsung consortium for Shell’s Prelude liquefied natural gas facility.
Jan Bart Kok of Netherlands-based VWS MPP Systems told D&WR that MPPE, which can also be used for hydrocarbon-contaminated groundwater, utilises two proven technologies, liquid-liquid extraction and steam stripping with an innovative medium (the MPPE particles).
Hydrocarbon contaminated water is passed through a column packed with MPPE particles. An extraction liquid immobilised within the polymer matrix removes the hydrocarbons from the water.
The purified water passes out of the column directly for reuse or discharge. All hydrocarbons with a relatively high affinity for the extraction liquid (compared to water) are removed.
Periodical in-situ regeneration of the extraction liquid containing MPPE particles is accomplished with low-pressure steam. The steam volatises the hydrocarbons. Volatised hydrocarbons are condensed and then separated by gravity.
The hydrocarbon phase is recovered and sold as product, the water phase is recycled to the system. Removal rates of 99.99% or more can be achieved. MPPE does not require chemicals, does not produce a waste or off-gas.