Abstract
Stabilization and solidification (S/S) using agents and stabilizers are an effective way of treating petroleum drill cuttings (PDC). This study presents new binder formulations using metakaolin (MK) as a cement substitute to remove chlorides (Cl-) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from onshore oil-based drill cuttings. Several factors, including mass ratios (MK/cement), (PDC/binder), and curing time were systematically studied to understand their impact on the efficiency of the treatment process.
The study used response surface methodology (RSM) to model and optimize pollutant removal efficiency, providing information on the optimal conditions for maximum performance. The optimal conditions identified included a (PDC/binder) ratio of 1, an (MK/cement) ratio of 0.25, and a curing time of 49 days, resulting in a compressive strength of 28.80 MPa. Under these conditions, pollutant reduction rates of 99.74% for TPH and 67.21% for Cl- were achieved, demonstrating a significant enhancement in solidification/stabilization (S/S) performance. These results ensure compliance with regulatory discharge standards and highlight the efficacy of using metakaolin as a sustainable binder component. Replacing 10% of cement with metakaolin proved effective in stabilizing chlorides and hydrocarbons while maintaining adequate compressive strength. Environmentally, it reduces cement-related CO₂ emissions, lowers energy consumption, and enhances the durability of treated materials, minimizing long-term environmental impact. Economically, it decreases cement usage, cutting material costs, while improving mechanical properties, reducing maintenance expenses, and enabling cost-effective waste management solutions. This approach not only reduces cement consumption but also offers a practical solution for managing oil exploration waste, enabling its safe reuse and contributing to environmental sustainability.
The study used response surface methodology (RSM) to model and optimize pollutant removal efficiency, providing information on the optimal conditions for maximum performance. The optimal conditions identified included a (PDC/binder) ratio of 1, an (MK/cement) ratio of 0.25, and a curing time of 49 days, resulting in a compressive strength of 28.80 MPa. Under these conditions, pollutant reduction rates of 99.74% for TPH and 67.21% for Cl- were achieved, demonstrating a significant enhancement in solidification/stabilization (S/S) performance. These results ensure compliance with regulatory discharge standards and highlight the efficacy of using metakaolin as a sustainable binder component. Replacing 10% of cement with metakaolin proved effective in stabilizing chlorides and hydrocarbons while maintaining adequate compressive strength. Environmentally, it reduces cement-related CO₂ emissions, lowers energy consumption, and enhances the durability of treated materials, minimizing long-term environmental impact. Economically, it decreases cement usage, cutting material costs, while improving mechanical properties, reducing maintenance expenses, and enabling cost-effective waste management solutions. This approach not only reduces cement consumption but also offers a practical solution for managing oil exploration waste, enabling its safe reuse and contributing to environmental sustainability.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | MS EEENG-8124R1 |
| Pages (from-to) | (In-Press) |
| Journal | Journal of Environmental Engineering, ASCE |
| Volume | (In-Press) |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 8 May 2025 |
Keywords
- Petroleum drill cuttings
- Compressive strength
- Leaching
- Stabilization
- Solidification
- Metakaolin
