Characterization of oily residual sludge and its mixture with fueloil from distributed generation

Abstract

In the petroleum and gas industry, a considerable amount of oily residues is obtained, which generate added value for their use as fuel. This study aimed to determine the physical properties (viscosity, density, and net calorific value) of the oily residual sludge from power generation, distributed with water contents of 4% v/v and 12% v/v, and their mixtures with fuel oil in different proportions, as well as their influence on these. For their determination, methods based on ASTM D95, ASTM D445, and ASTM D1298 standards were used, showing that there are significant effects of the sludge in both cases, since increases in their magnitudes were evidenced in comparison with fuel oil. In addition, the sludge with a water content of 12% v/v was studied at 4% and 6% of the mixture within the specified value for water content, while the sludge with 4% v/v water content guaranteed the values specified for fuel oil up to 18% of the mixture, and could be used as fuel in steam generators at this proportion.