Ozone oxidation of MTBE and ETBE evaluated

Ozone is commonly used to remove MTBE from groundwater and drinking water when MTBE is found in high levels.  Ozone is a viable option as ozone oxidizes MTBE rapidly from water, and completely after by-products are also oxidized.   Below paper gives great details on this process.

MTBE molecule
MTBE

Oxidation of Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and Ethyl tert-Butyl Ether (ETBE) by Ozone and Combined Ozone/Hydrogen Peroxide

Courtesy of:  Ozone: Science & Engineering  The Journal of the International Ozone Association

Ozone science and engineering
IOA Journal

Authors: N. Karpel Vel Leitner ,A.-L. Papailhou ,J.-P. Croué ,J. Peyrot M. Doré

Received 21 Jul 1993, Accepted 12 Oct 1993, Published online: 23 Jul 2008

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the reaction of ozone and combined ozone/hydrogen peroxide on oxygenated additives such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) in dilute aqueous solution using controlled experimental conditions. Experiments conducted in a semi-continuous reactor with MTBE and ETBE in combination (initial concentration: 2 mmol/L of each) showed that ETBE was better eliminated than MTBE with both ozone and combined O3/H2O2. Batch experiments led to the determination of the ratio of the kinetic constants for the reaction of OH°-radical with MTBE and ETBE [kOH°/ETBE/kOH°/MTBE = 1.7). Tert-butyl formate and tert-butyl acetate were identified as the ozonation byproducts of MTBE and ETBE, respectively, while tert-butyl alcohol was found to be produced during the ozonation of both compounds.

Link to access full paper below:

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01919519408552379

Become a member of the IOA and receive the Ozone Science & Engineering Journal in the mail, and full online access:

http://www.ioa-pag.org/membership/

MTBE Removal Success

Ozone has proven to be successful at oxidizing MTBE in water.  Ozone rapidly oxidizes MTBE, however, TBA (tert-Butyl alcohol) is formed as a by-product of this oxidation.  TBA is then oxidized by ozone, but at a slower rate than MTBE.  See chart directly below for a great example:

MTBE removal from water with ozone create TBA

Image from: Chemical Oxidation of MTBE and TBA

The chart above shows a great example of MTBE removal in water with only MTBE and TBA data shown.  As MTBE was oxidized, TBA was created at the same rate.  After MTBE oxidation was nearly complete TBA oxidation started to occur, but at a slower rate.  TBA will also be completely oxidized from water with ozone over time.  Ozone remains a great option for oxidation due to the rapid oxidation of MTBE and complete destruction of both MTBE and TBA with no harmful by-products left in the water.

Additional Technical Documents:

Below is a series of papers and documents outlining practical and laboratory success in the elimination of MTBE from water using ozone, or ozone AOP processes.

Click Thumbnails below for details on equipment we offer for groundwater remediation

ORK-Series Ozone Systems  ORT-Series Ozone Trailer Systems   ORC-Series Ozone Systems  OXS-Series Ozone Systems

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