Optimization Study of Diisopropanolamine (DIPA) Degradation using Photo-Fenton Process

Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) is regarded as one of the chemical treatment specifically designed to remove contaminants and unwanted compositions in the form of organic or inorganic matters. The technology is founded on the complex oxidation reaction utilizing hydroxyl radicals to breakdown waste. Under universal assessment, well-known electricity generation fossil fuel plant via raw natural gas produces heavy gaseous hydrocarbons, acid gases, water and liquid hydrocarbons. Thus, typical gas treating mechanism using amine solvents is required to remove the corrosive and toxicity properties within the existence of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide in natural gas. AOPs treatment is later necessitated for the subsequent amine solvent mechanism. The research project will focus on the Photo-Fenton process, one of AOP’s most effective treatment, and the optimized parameters affecting the degradation standard of Diisopropanolamine (DIPA). The amine waste used will be DIPA and the seven parameters being studied covers the concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution, intensity of light, temperature, concentration of DIPA, concentration of ferrous sulphate heptahydrate, reaction time and pH value. Moreover, the experimental work will study the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) by utilizing the Hach DRB 200 Digester and Hach® DR3900 Spectrophotometer. Initial experimental setup is calibrated with blank DIPA concentration measurement of 1302mg/L. In design of experimentation, the maximum optimization value is achieved by sample run 14 which is 662mg/L COD removal (50.84% removal) while the lowest value is achieved by sample run 3 which is 32mg/L COD removal (2.46% removal). Results for factorial experimental design is arranged with the highest order of significance towards lowest order of significance; concentration of H2O2 which is followed closely with concentration of FeSO4.7H2O towards temperature and lastly, light intensity. Later onwards, optimization process adjusted at 1.0M concentration of H2O2, 0.5M concentration of FeSO4.7H2O, temperature of 35oC and light intensity of 300Watt; achieved COD measurement of 531mg/L (771mg/L removal, 59.22% removal). Comparison for significance of temperature and light intensity indicated their absence of varying reaction kinetics which produced lower COD removal rate of 22.81% (1005mg/L COD measurement).