Demulsifiers, or emulsion breakers, are a class of special chemicals used to separate emulsions, for example water in oil. They are widely used in the processing of oil-water mixtures from shipping, which are usually produced together with significant amounts of salt water.
The Secretary-General of MARPOL visited WVT Industries in Aartselaar, Antwerp. The company was founded in 1997 by Ward Van Thielen and has quickly grown into a leading manufacturer and supplier in the industrial cleaning market. The company serves various industrial sectors throughout Europe and beyond, such as the shipping industry (degreasers, dispersants, etc.), waste water treatment (demulsifiers) and the transport sector.
The dynamic company focuses on finding solutions tailored to each typical user and ensures that all its cleaning products and chemical specialities are biodegradable and bioenergonomic. WVT Industries has become a leading supplier in a demanding environment and is now active in more than 32 countries.
Today we are proud to announce that through intensive research we have developed a unique demulsifier that is highly effective and requires a very small dosage of only 100 ppm. According to the MARPOL Convention Annex I, oil tank residues or oil-contaminated water must be treated before discharge. Our new Demul 40CP separates water into oil and oil into water mixtures faster and at a lower cost compared to all other competitive products.
Less than 1% water content
MARPOL oil is a water-in-oil emulsion with a water content of less than 1%, the stability of which depends on the water content. Normally this is between 2.4% and 50.8%. Adding the new Demul 40CP to MARPOL oils significantly speeds up the decantation process and achieves fuel with a water content of less than 1%. In less than twelve hours, Demul 40CP optimises the calorific value of the recycled oil and increases its resale value. In order to obtain optimal results, the water-in-oil emulsion is heated up to 90 °C before Demul 40CP is added. Even at 35 ° to 50 ° C you can obtain excellent results (interesting for treating low flash).
Smaller doses, better results
The oil-water emulsion is heated to 90°C before Demul 40CP is added.
The optimal dosage of Demul 40CP always depends on the specific nature of the oily waste. In order to determine the exact percentage required, WVT Industries analyses waste samples in their own laboratory and provides recommendations on a case by case basis. Typically, the recommended dosage of Demul 40CP varies between 100 and 400 ppm to the total amount of the oil-water emulsion. If higher dosages fail, the dosage should even be reduced: lower dosages usually improve the demulsification process.
Customer case: 0.42% water content with only 250 PPM demul 40CP
The oil-water sample originally had 41.43% free water. After adding the WVT Demul 40CP in doses of 250 ppm, the water content in the decanted fuel dropped to 0.42%. The water-in-oil emulsion was heated to 90 °C before adding Demul 40CP. Without changing the temperature variable, these results were obtained in 12 hours. The customer expressed his satisfaction with the first results obtained and will continue to optimise all variables.
Reduced processing costs
Demul 40CP significantly reduces processing costs. It replaces the use of costly centrifugal applications. It reduces the treatment time to under twelve hours, so that larger volumes can be treated in a much shorter period of time.
Sustainable solution
Demul 40CP, an organic liquid formulation of surfactants and dispersants, remains with the fuel and not with the water phase. The decanted water can be discharged without causing adverse effects to the marine environment. Demul 40CP is flammable, non-abrasive and non-ash forming. In addition, Demul 40CP improves the quality of the fuel while it also has a protective effect on the workers handling the product.
Advantages Demul 40CP:
- High calorific fuel value, higher combustion quality and resale value;
- Reduced disposal costs;
- Compliance with MARPOL 73/78 Annex I: Preservation of the marine environment, contributing to the conservation of resources.
Odour neutraliser reduces downtime
In addition to demulsifiers, WVT Industries also produces water-based liquid odour neutralisers to prevent odour nuisance or irritating vapours from escaping. Our O-Scav H2S neutralises the H2S and toxic effects in water treatment plants. The chemical formula is 100% biodegradable. By combining all cleaning procedures in one chemical application, the downtime of the equipment is significantly reduced.
