A bioreactor-based process has been developed for the treatment of oily sludges generated from exploration, production and refining of oil. The keys to the process are optimized nutrient and other culture conditions designed to increase hydrocarbon bioavailability and promote high growth rates of a hydrocarbon-degrading mixed indigenous bacterial culture possessing the necessary diverse metabolic capability. A decrease in the toxic mobile organic compounds to non-hazardous levels is achieved in 6-10 days. In locations where land farming is permitted, treatment with the Petrozyme Process can reduce the land area needed to apply the sludge by up to 80%. On an existing land farm, the biodegradation efficiency of any underrated hydrocarbons from prior sludge applications is further improved. Where land farming is not allowed, the treated solids may be separated for industrial reuse or disposal in a non-hazardous landfill. Other benefits of the process include modular components, equipment simplicity and mobility, high biodegradation rates, robustness to variations in petroleum sludge composition and ease of operation. The process has been successfully demonstrated at pilot- and full-scale in various petroleum refineries in Canada, the United States, Venezuela and Mexico and is currently in commercial operation in the United States and Venezuela.

Reprinted with Permission from www.petrozyme.com