Sustainable Valorization of Oil and Gas Industry Biosolids: Optimal Reuse Pathways

Hesan Elfaki, Nivinya Hemachandra, Georg Stockinger, Ali Al-Sharshani, Sabah Solim and Dhabia M. Al-Mohannadi ()
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Hesan Elfaki: Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Nivinya Hemachandra: Chemical Engineering Program, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Education City, Doha 23874, Qatar
Georg Stockinger: Shell Projects & Technology (P&T), Shell, 2596 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
Ali Al-Sharshani: Qatar Shell Research & Technology Center, QSTP LLC, Doha 21000, Qatar
Sabah Solim: Qatar Shell Research & Technology Center, QSTP LLC, Doha 21000, Qatar
Dhabia M. Al-Mohannadi: Chemical Engineering Program, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Education City, Doha 23874, Qatar

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-19

Abstract: This study investigates the potential of converting waste biosolids from industrial sources, focusing on economic viability and heavy metal removal efficiency. Traditional management methods like landfilling and incineration are increasingly impractical due to land constraints and environmental concerns, prompting a shift towards thermal and biological conversion technologies including anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction. Incorporating a pretreatment for heavy metal removal is essential, as industrial wastes are highly subjected to metal contamination. The study screens a range of metal removal processes, including precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, and microwave induction. Although a techno-economic analysis can help give a perspective on the economic viability and environmental impact of each technology, it does not account for technical limitations and variations in the treated waste stream. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) optimization model is developed to fill in this gap and assist in waste stream allocation to the most appropriate technology, taking into account both technology capacities and feed characteristics. This study looked into the optimal treatment route at different feed moisture contents and varying flow rates. The results demonstrate that the model distributes the feed across the different technologies on the basis of maximizing the capacity of the optimal technology while ensuring the moisture and heavy metal content limits are satisfied. Thus, it maximizes profitability and ensures heavy metal removal efficiency. By optimizing industrial biosolids treatment pathways, this study promotes sustainable resource recovery aligning with circular economy principles in waste management. The developed model facilitates informed decision-making in biosolids management and industrial waste treatment practices.

Keywords: biosolids; heavy metals; thermal conversion; optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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