NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN OIL INTERCEPTION BY FILTRATION.

Multimedia deep bed (MMDB) filtration technology can now be applied to both secondary and tertiary treatment of oily wastewaters and simultaneously provide for suspended solids removal. Typical secondary treatment can provide reduction from 100 mg/l to 10 to 15 mg/l oil. Tertiary or polishing applications can reduce oil concentration to below 1 mg/l. Successful MMBD applications include primary metals, chemical wastes, and oil field produced brines for recharge. MMDB systems, which may utilize coagulant aids and polymers, compare favorably with conventional treatment methods in these instances. A particular advantage of MMDB systems for oilfield reinjection is their compact size which is a necessity for offshore platforms for treatment of produced brines, seawater, or both.