Characterization and Suspension Stability of Particles Recovered from Offshore Produced Water

Particles were recovered from offshore produced water and analyzed in terms of chemical composition, surface properties, and suspension stability. The recovered particles were identified to be iron ((FeFeOx)-Fe-II-O-III(OH)(y)) aluminosilicate covered with an organic layer. Both the chemical composition and surface properties were altered upon calcination. Destabilization of suspensions occurred through sedimentation and aggregation of particles. Increased temperature enhanced the destabilization of the investigated suspensions, while the organic layer surrounding the particles and the dissolved components in the produced water slowed it down.