Hydrocarbon Recovery from Oily Petroleum Sludge: A Review

Abstract

Oily petroleum sludge is a hazardous waste generated during oil production, storage, and refining processes, containing valuable hydrocarbons, water, solid particles, and toxic compounds. Improper disposal of this sludge poses a threat to soil and water quality, as well as to human health. Therefore, hydrocarbon recovery has emerged as a crucial and sustainable solution. This review presents a comparative analysis of various physical, chemical, thermal, and biological techniques, such as solvent extraction, thermal desorption, pyrolysis, centrifugation, and bioremediation. Studies indicate that significant improvements in hydrocarbon recovery efficiency are possible through the selection of appropriate techniques and process parameters. Challenges such as energy consumption, cost, environmental impact, and scalability are also discussed. This review provides guidance for developing effective and environmentally friendly strategies for oil sludge management and resource recovery.