The effect of air distribution on the induced air flotation of fine oil in water emulsions

The induced air flotation (IAF) of a highly stabilized oil in water (o/w) emulsion has been studied experimentally in a batch column 10 cm in diameter and 150 cm in height. Column performance was strongly affected by the method of air distribution. The main variables investigated were the type of air distributor (either porous plate, single hole plate, or multi‐hole plate), initial oil concentraton (30‐600 mg/L), oil drop size distribution of feed (1.0‐30 μm), surfactant type, and gas superficial velocity. Results were successfully analyzed in terms of a first order kinetic rate model which yielded a removal rate constant ( K 1 ) that varied from 2.0 to 60.0 h −1 . Corresponding total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiencies went from 20 to 99.9 percent, illustrating the wide performance range for the flotation cell.