CASE STUDY: MTBE removal from groundwater
STRIPPING MTBE
Removing MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) from groundwater is one of the most complex challenges in industrial water remediation. This highly soluble and persistent compound requires specific technologies and precision engineering, especially when inlet concentrations are high and discharge limits are extremely strict. It is a challenge that only a few in the world can successfully overcome, and which BMB Purification solved for an ENI refinery using a high-efficiency stripping system.
CLIENT NEED
Removing MTBE from the groundwater of an ENI refinery under critical conditions (flow rate 48 m³/h, inlet MTBE 414 mg/L, required limit ≤ 8 mg/L) while ensuring operational continuity and maximum reliability.
TECHNOLOGY USED
High-efficiency stripping system with specific sizing software, optimized for removing VOCs from contaminated water. Pre-treatment, stripping column, air/water system, and fully compliant exhaust air treatment.
RESULTS
Outlet MTBE < 1 mg/L, removal efficiency > 99.7%, guaranteed operational stability even at full capacity. Objectives widely exceeded.
that others don’t know how to treat.
AMONG OUR CLIENTS
WHY FEW CAN SOLVE SUCH A COMPLEX PROBLEM
Bringing an MTBE concentration from 414 mg/L down to less than 8 mg/L (a reduction factor of over 50 times) on a continuous-operation plant is a challenge that tests technical expertise and engineering reliability. BMB steps in precisely where others stop: handling issues that demand high-precision sizing, dedicated simulation software, and proven experience in the most demanding environments, such as refineries. This is what makes us the go-to partner for major industrial players.
STRIPPING COLUMNS SIZED FOR HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF MTBE
ADOPTED SOLUTIONS
We designed and manufactured a high-efficiency stripping system using dedicated sizing software, optimized for removing VOCs from contaminated water. The solution integrates:
- Water pre-treatment system to adjust pH and eliminate suspended solids;
- Stripping column sized for high MTBE concentrations;
- Optimized air/water system to maximize mass transfer;
- Automatic control of operating parameters;
- Compliant exhaust air treatment meeting regulatory standards.
- A compact, robust plant engineered for continuous 24/7 operation with low operational costs.
RESULTS
The plant has widely exceeded the required objectives, demonstrating the effectiveness of the solution even under the most critical conditions. The values measured during operation speak for themselves:
- Outlet MTBE: < 1 mg/L (against a required limit of ≤ 8 mg/L)
- Removal efficiency: > 99.7%
- Operational stability guaranteed even at full capacity
TURNKEY PLANT
Each industrial air filtration system plant realized by BMB is custom designed after thorough field study. The initial study of condition, context and potential problems allows or technicians to propose targeted and tailored solutions, appointed plants and specific technologies for any kind of problem.
See also our industrial wastewater purification plants.
MANUFACTORING AND INSTALLATION
Each plant produced by BMB is designed, built and tested in-house. The installation is planned and carried out by our specialized technicians.
MAINTENANCE ASSISTANCE
BMB offers complete and custom service for plant assistence and maintenance: oordinary maintenance, extraordinary availability and remote monitoring.
PLANT DESIGN
Our plants are designed in compliance with the most updated law and engineering standars, are applied to needs of client so as optimize the investment.
FAQs: Questions & Answers
How is MTBE removed from refinery groundwater?
The removal of MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) from groundwater is achieved using a high-efficiency stripping plant, custom-engineered to handle high concentrations and ensure continuous operation.
In the project carried out by BMB Purification at an ENI refinery, the system tackled a complex situation with inlet concentrations of 414 mg/L at a flow rate of 48 m³/h, aiming to meet a discharge limit of 8 mg/L (a required reduction of over 50 times) without ever interrupting plant operations.
The technical solution included:
- Groundwater pre-treatment.
- Stripping column sized for actual concentrations.
- Optimized air/water system with compliant exhaust air treatment.
Result achieved: A removal efficiency exceeding 99.7%, bringing the outlet MTBE concentration to below 1 mg/L while maintaining stable operation even at full load.
How is MTBE removed from groundwater when inlet concentrations are very high?
With a high-efficiency stripping plant, custom-sized using dedicated calculation software. The process integrates four stages: water pre-treatment to adjust pH and eliminate suspended solids, a stripping column calculated for actual inlet concentrations, an optimized air/water system to maximize mass transfer, and compliant exhaust air treatment meeting regulatory standards.
Can MTBE be removed continuously without stopping the plant?
Yes, and this is precisely the most challenging design requirement. In the case of the ENI refinery, the plant was engineered for 24/7 continuous operation at a flow rate of 48 m³/h, ensuring operational stability even at full load.
