Application of the surfactant gradient system for oil removal from surfaces

Abstract

The gradient approach based on the relation between interfacial tension and oil removal was introduced to maximize the DNAPL solubilization while minimizing the potential for DNAPL vertical migration. The objective of this study was to apply the gradient system for PCE removal in a column with the selected surfactant system using electrolyte gradient. Moreover, this approach was carried out further in a washing study for decane and hexadecane removal from fabric substrate using temperature gradient. For this study, the result showed that the surfactant mixture of ADPODS and AMA were able to form microemulsion with PCE while optimum temperature to enhance decane and hexadecane removal from fabric with C[subscript 12]EO[subscript 5] system are 30 and 45 ํC, respectively. For further study, the PCE can be removed more than 99% using a surfactant gradient system. Moreover, the surfactant gradient application using temperature gradient shows the effectiveness of washing for decane removal more than washing for hexadecane removal. Furthermore, the combination of these two oils does not affect the oil removal efficiency. In conclusion, the application of surfactant gradient system has efficiency to remove PCE without mobilization and the surfactant gradient system by changing the temperature can effectively be used to remove oil from fabric surface especially in short chain alkane in both conditions