Cellulose Ether Composition for Biodegradable Crude Oil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flocculants used in oilfield water treatment are synthetic and non-biodegradable, failing to meet increasing environmental standards.
Innovation Solution
An oilfield composition comprising an O/W emulsion of crude oil and water with a cellulose ether, where the cellulose ether is present in specific amounts, facilitating the separation of crude oil from water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional synthetic flocculants are used for water treatment, then oil and solid contaminants can be effectively removed, but environmental standards are not met due to non-biodegradability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from synthetic polymers to natural cellulose ether derivatives, specifically modifying the molecular structure by controlling degree of substitution and molecular weight to maintain flocculation effectiveness while achieving biodegradability and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite cellulose ether structures with specific functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, or sulfate ester groups) combined with controlled molecular weight ranges to create a material that simultaneously provides effective flocculation and environmental friendliness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used instead of synthetic flocculants, then environmental standards are met, but flocculation effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes critical parameters including degree of substitution (0.1-2.5), molecular weight (10,000-1,000,000 g/mol), and functional group content to maximize flocculation efficiency while maintaining biodegradability, demonstrating that proper parameter control can eliminate the trade-off between effectiveness and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces specific functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, or sulfate ester groups) at controlled locations and concentrations within the cellulose ether structure to enhance oil-aggregating properties and flocculation effectiveness at specific interaction sites while maintaining overall biodegradability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cellulose ether effectively aggregates and separates crude oil from water, providing an environmentally friendly and efficient treatment method.
Implementation Method 1
The cellulose ether effectively aggregates and separates crude oil from water
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An oilfield composition includes an O/W emulsion including crude oil and water; and a particular cellulose ether. A method of separating the crude oil and the water includes the steps of a) providing the O/W emulsion; b) providing the particular cellulose ether; c) combining the cellulose ether and the O/W emulsion, wherein the cellulose ether is present in an amount of from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight per one million parts by weight of the combination of the cellulose ether and the O/W emulsion; and subsequently, and d) separating the crude oil from the water.