A New Oil Recovery System using Steam-driven Ejector

An application of steam-driven ejector to oil skimming system has been experimentally examined. Formation of W/O emulsion gives the spilled oil very high viscosity occasionally up to 1,000,000 mPas as well as volume inflation. The change of theological behavior makes an on-site oil recovery very difficult. The steam-driven ejector has potential advantages which are hardly seen in other conventional oil skimming devices to overcome these difficulties. Rapid heating accompanied by condensation of the steam can enhance the flow of the high viscosity spilled oil inside the suction pipe. Super sonic steam flow in the ejector may provide very strong mixing energy required for an emulsion breaking reaction when some chemical agents are employed. A small-size model of the steam-driven suction skimmer was designed and its basic suction recovery performance was experimentally tested. The tests included various aspects such as an oil recovery rate, an oil/water ratio, a steam consumption rate as well as sensitivity to wave. It is concluded that the steam-driven ejector system may be a good option for oil recovery or response.