Electrochemical degradation of phenolic compounds from oil refinery effluents

• Grant number: 09/15361-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2009
• End date: November 30, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Luis Augusto Martins Ruotolo
• Grantee: Luis Augusto Martins Ruotolo
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The presence of organic compounds in industrial effluents is considered a serious environmental and human healthy problem since most of these compounds are very toxic. The treatment of these effluents is frequently made by using biological processes; however, some classes of compounds, including phenolic compounds, are very refractory to biological treatment and require the use of technologies known as Advanced Oxidative Processes, which are based on the chemical or photochemical generation of oxidative radicals. The electrochemical technology emerged as an environmental compatible alternative with some advantages such as transport and storage elimination of hazardous chemicals, reduction of workmanship and easy process control. In this work it will be studied project and process variables which are important for the development of an electrochemical reactor to be used for the treatment of phenolic waters from Paulínia oil refinery (Replan-Petrobras). The process will be based on the in situ generation of oxidative radicals using boron-doped-diamond anodes. Reactors with and without membrane will be used in a new configuration designed for the reduction of the cell potential and energy consumption. The effect of current density, flow velocity and chloride ions concentration on the degradation rate of the organic compound will be studied measuring the chemical oxygen demand and total phenolic compounds concentration. These variables were chosen because they have direct influence on the electron transfer and mass transport which control the electroxidation process. Starting from these results and using a Box-Behnken factorial experimental design, the electrochemical reactor efficiency will be evaluated considering the space-time yield, current efficiency and energy consumption. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ALENCAR DE SOUZA, RENATA BERALDO; MARTINS RUOTOLO, LUS AUGUSTO. Phenol Electrooxidation in Different Supporting Electrolytes Using Boron-Doped Diamond Anodes. International Journal of Electrochemical Science, v. 8, n. 1, p. 643-657, JAN 2013. (09/15361-3)