Patent ID: 10954130

Abstract:
A method for producing an additive for reclaiming oil from a fluid product stream and a treated silica with controlled hydrophobicity are disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing silica or silicate with a particle size of between 3.0 μm to 20 μm, the silica or silicates having an agglomerate size of between 10 μm to 100 μm and being chosen to achieve the desired particle-size range and with a controlled level of hydrophobicity; treating the silica or silicate with a silicone or silane to make it hydrophobic; and controlling the hydrophobicity of the silica or silicate by varying the temperature and treatment time of the silica or silicate, amount of a treating material used to treat the silica or silicate, and the molecular weight of the treating material. The additive improves oil extraction and concentration from a fluid product stream.