Slop oil, a complicated mixture of oil, water, and fine particulates, is widely generated in the oil and gas sector during exploration, production, and refining operations, which is detrimental and has been challenging to resolve, for example, for oil sand deposits, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is a feasible option. It offers a long-term solution for gaining accessibility to deep reserves that surface removal cannot influence. However, much of the slop oil formed by the SAGD process is undesirable. Because of its complexity and commercial limits, treating generated slop oil still poses several technological hurdles. Emerging and cost-effective treatment measures for slop oil have taken significant time and effort. In this study, we reviewed the operating principles, including interaction processes of many frequently utilized slop oil treatment techniques, such as chemical treatment, microwave irradiation, hydrocyclone, and centrifugation procedures. These strategies (and their combinations) are examined for influencing variables or practical uses. The proficiency of emulsion separation and the quality of separated phases have been analyzed in the framework of treatment approaches’ efficacy. There are also several unresolved issues and research directions to consider in the future. This research contributes to a better knowledge of the slop oil treatment, with repercussions for creating viable, successful, and cost-effective slop oil treatment strategies in the oil and gas sector.
Elsevier, Nanotechnology for Oil-Water Separation, 2024, Pages 49-81
