Due to the intensive and large-scale processes involved, the petrochemical industries generate considerable waste which, without the appropriate treatment, may be very harmful to the environment. Environmental management steps are taken, not only to protect the air from volatile emissions, but also to protect soil and water from refinery pollution. Activated carbons have a role to play at each of these levels.
Purifying petrochemical waste products
Issues:
Petrochemical site
Solutions:
- Air :
The use of activated carbons remains one of the best means of purifying gases originating from the petrochemical industry since they are highly efficient at adsorbing organic compounds (alkanes, alkenes, etc.), acids and other oxygenated compounds. Granular activated carbons are offered by PICA for this purpose as gas is passed through a filter.
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Water:
Petroleum refineries use extensive quantities of water, notably in their cooling systems. Residual waters generally contain dangerous chemical products, hydrocarbons, phenols, ammoniacal solutions, to mention but a few. The treatment of these effluents through the use of granular activated carbon is particularly useful in removing not only organic materials but also phenols, saturated hydrocarbons - insoluble molecules which are difficult for ozone to breakdown - pesticides, heavy metals, tensioactive agents. Due to our broad knowledge of the problems associated with liquid effluents, PICA offers products and solutions that are perfectly adapted to this type of application.
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Soil:
As a result of pipe breakages, soils may become contaminated, notably by volatile organic compounds (VOC). In such cases, specific methods involve aspirating the air from the soil, then passing it through a bed of activated granular carbons before being released into the atmosphere.