Removal of microparticles from hydrogenated oil by a microchannel separation coupling hydrocyclone: Industrial application

Separation techniques utilized in industrial manufacturing account for approximately 10–15% of the total global energy consumption. Energy-efficient separation has been made possible through the use of deep filtration technology. Herein, a novel continuous and regenerative microchannel separator coupled with a hydrocyclone was proposed. The microchannel separator, which had a processing capacity of 30 t/h, was constructed in a petroleum resin plant. This device could separate trace microfine particles in hydrogenated oil. After treatment with the microchannel separator, the average particle removal efficiency was 50.7%, and the turbidity of the hydrogenated oil was reduced by a maximum value of 60.9%. The removal efficiencies of pollutant particles with diameters smaller than 5 μm, in the range of 5–10 μm, and larger than 10 μm in the hydrogenated oil were 44.0%, 54.9%, and 75.9%, respectively. The processing load on the downstream diatomite filter was effectively reduced by the microchannel separator. The lifespan of the diatomite filter increased by 2.3 times compared to its initial value. Hazardous waste emissions decreased from 104 tons/year to 58.5 tons/year. The microchannel separator could be used not only for separating trace fine particles from liquids but also for separating oil and water by modulating the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the particle surfaces.