Oil sludge treatment by electron beam irradiation

Abstract

Radiation induced advanced oxidation processes have been proposed for the treatment of various types of wastes. However, electron beam technologies for the removal of recalcitrant compounds in petroleum wastes are still poorly understood. This work aims at evaluating the effects on the degradation of organic matter from oil sludge by electron beam irradiation. The radiometric analysis was also performed to identify radionuclides and measure dose rates. An electron beam accelerator, model Dynamitron II, with variable current up to 25 mA was employed and the irradiation dose values ranged from 20 to 250 kGy. Solutions were prepared with an initial H2O2 concentration of 1.34 mol L 1. Samples without H2O2 addition, but with water were also evaluated. Control tests with dry and pulverized sludge were submitted to irradiation. The effects on the removal of total organic carbon and the sludge degradation are discussed.