DIVISION OF OILY EMULSIONS BY POLYSULFONAMIDE MEMBRANES TREATED WITH PLASMA OF GLOW AND CORONA DISCHARGES

The problem of hydrocarbon ingress into the environment is a global issue, associated with both local pollution near the source of formation and the hydrosphere as a whole. The application of energy- and resource-saving technologies to reduce waste emissions into the environment, with the possibility of their partial return to the technological cycle, is an optimal solution for preventing pollution and rational resource utilization. Membrane technologies meet these requirements and are a universal solution for purifying any pollutant with the possibility of its recovery. Moreover, the efficiency of these processes can exceed 99 %, while the equipment occupies less space and uses minimal reagents compared to other apparatus. Based on the above, this study presents research on the separation of hydrocarbon emulsions based on I20-A grade industrial oil using polysulfonamide membranes. To intensify the process and enhance resistance to oil fouling, polymer filters were treated with corona and glow discharge plasma. As a result of this modification, the separation efficiency increased from 80.9 % to 99.0 %, and the productivity increased by approximately 10 times. Analysis of the membranes using electron microscopy revealed surface deformations, such as changes in roughness, due to plasma treatment, leading to improved selectivity towards the water phase of the emulsion. Analysis of the IR spectra showed the most significant differences in absorption bands between the original and plasma-treated polysulfonamide (PSA) membranes in the area of C–O stretching vibrations, contributing to increased water adsorption in the corresponding area. The research results recommend the application of the tested membrane ultrafiltration method for treating wastewater containing emulsified oils, such as used lubricants or cleaning solutions. Plasma treatment of membrane filters with corona or glow discharge contributes to increased efficiency and productivity in emulsion separation.