Transformation Mechanism of Organic Matter in the Treatment of Petroleum-Based Drilling Cuttings by the Hammermill Thermal Desorption Cutting Treatment System

Abstract

Petroleum-based drilling cuttings (PBDCs), as hazardous waste, are characterized by high petroleum pollutant contents and complex compositions and must be properly treated. Their treatment by a hammermill thermal desorption system can generate a variety of products, necessitating better delineation of the transformation characteristics of organic matter at the molecular level. In this study, the transformation characteristics of organic matter in the treatment of PBDCs by a hammermill thermal desorption system have been analyzed by positive-ion atmospheric-pressure photo-ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (+APPI FT-ICR MS). The results showed that the PBDCs contained large amounts of CH, CHO, and CHON compounds and a small amount of CHS compounds. Of these, CH and CHO compounds are easily separated and recovered by the hammermill thermal desorption treatment system. Most of this organic matter is separated directly through physical changes, whereas only 0.32% undergoes chemical reactions. The organic matter in the recovered petroleum and #110 industrial white oil was highly reproducible and similar in terms of saturation and aromaticity. The mineral composition of the PBDCs did not change significantly during treatment by the hammermill thermal desorption system. This research may provide theoretical guidance for the efficient treatment of PBDCs by the hammermill thermal desorption system.