Removing oils FROM WATER with organoclays

Organically modified clays have long been used by industry to remove oil from water. A study was undertaken to verify results from real‐world applications and develop a better understanding of the chemical conditions under which organoclays are most effective. Systematic testing was conducted on some 50 oils, including mineral oils, vegetable oils, animal fats, fish oils, and synthetic oils. In addition, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon was tested in order to compare the effectiveness of the two media. Tests also investigated the removal capacity of organoclays for various surfactants as well as the influence such surfactants exert on the removal efficiency of the organoclays. Results showed organoclays are more effective than activated carbon in removing oil from water and cationic organoclays are superior to nonionic organoclays for some removal applications.