CASO STUDIO: MTBE removal from groundwater
MTBE STRIPPING
The removal of MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) from groundwater is one of the most complex challenges in industrial water remediation. This compound, highly soluble and persistent, requires specific technologies and precision sizing, particularly when inlet concentrations are high and discharge limits very stringent. It is a challenge that only a few in the world are able to accomplish — and one that BMB Purification solved for an ENI refinery with a high-efficiency stripping plant.
CLIENT REQUIREMENT
Remove 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 APPLIED
High-efficiency stripping plant with dedicated sizing software, optimized for the removal of VOCs from contaminated water. Pre-treatment, stripping column, air/water system, and compliant exhaust air treatment.
RESULTS
Outlet MTBE < 1 mg/L, removal efficiency > 99.7%, operational stability guaranteed even at full load. Targets far exceeded.
that others don’t know how to treat.
TRA I NOSTRI CLIENTI
WHY FEW CAN SOLVE SUCH A COMPLEX PROBLEM
Bringing an MTBE concentration of 414 mg/L down to less than 8 mg/L — a reduction factor of over 50 times — on a plant that cannot be shut down is a challenge that puts technical expertise and engineering reliability to the test. BMB works precisely where others stop: on problems that demand precision sizing, dedicated calculation software, and proven experience in the most demanding environments, such as a refinery. This is what makes us the reference partner for major industrial players.
STRIPPING COLUMNS SIZED FOR HIGH MTBE CONCENTRATIONS
SOLUTIONS ADOPTED
We designed and built a high-efficiency stripping plant with dedicated sizing software, optimized for the removal of VOCs from contaminated water. The solution integrates:
- Water pre-treatment system to adjust pH and remove suspended solids;
- Stripping column sized for high MTBE concentrations;
- Optimized air/water system to maximize mass transfer;
- Automatic control of operating parameters;
- Exhaust air treatment compliant with regulations.
- A compact, robust plant designed for continuous operation, 24/7, with low operating costs.
THE RESULTS
The plant far exceeded the required targets, proving the effectiveness of the solution even under the most critical conditions. The values measured in 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 load
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.
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 and answers
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 remove suspended solids, a stripping column sized for the actual inlet concentrations, an optimized air/water system to maximize mass transfer, and exhaust air treatment compliant with regulations.
Can MTBE be removed continuously without shutting down the plant?
Yes, and this is precisely the most challenging design condition. In the ENI refinery case, the plant was engineered to run 24/7 at a flow rate of 48 m³/h, ensuring operational stability even at full load.
