Abstract: Separators for separating a multi-phase composition include a separator casing defining a chamber and a permeate outlet, at least one hydrocyclone within the separator casing, and at least one ceramic membrane. Each hydrocyclone includes a hydrocyclone inlet, a tapered section downstream of the hydrocyclone inlet, an accepted outlet, and a reject outlet. The ceramic membrane may be disposed within the separator casing and downstream of the accepted outlet of the hydrocyclone or may be disposed within at least a portion of the tapered section of the hydrocyclone. The ceramic membrane includes a retentate side and a permeate side, where the permeate side is in fluid communication with the chamber. Systems and methods for separating a multi-phase composition into a lesser-density fluid, a greater-density fluid, and a medium-density fluid using the separators are also disclosed.

Abstract: Separators for separating a multi-phase composition include a separator casing defining a chamber and a permeate outlet, at least one hydrocyclone within the separator casing, and at least one ceramic membrane. Each hydrocyclone includes a hydrocyclone inlet, a tapered section downstream of the hydrocyclone inlet, an accepted outlet, and a reject outlet. The ceramic membrane may be disposed within the separator casing and downstream of the accepted outlet of the hydrocyclone or may be disposed within at least a portion of the tapered section of the hydrocyclone. The ceramic membrane includes a retentate side and a permeate side, where the permeate side is in fluid communication with the chamber. Systems and methods for separating a multi-phase composition into a lesser-density fluid, a greater-density fluid, and a medium-density fluid using the separators are also disclosed.

Abstract: Adsorbent polymeric structures are described. These adsorbent polymeric structures are capable of separating non-polar hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or diesel fuel, from polar liquids, such as water. The adsorbent polymeric structures may include acid grafted graphene and at least one styrene. A method of preparing an adsorbent polymeric structure may include mixing graphene and at least one acid catalyst in a polar liquid in the presence of at least one alcohol to form an acid grafted graphene via an esterification reaction; and the acid grafted graphene and at least one styrene monomer are introduced to water in the presence of an initiator to form the adsorbent polymeric structure according to any of the previously-described embodiments via an emulsion polymerization reaction. Moreover, the adsorbent polymeric structures may be incorporated into methods of fluidly separating at least one non-polar hydrocarbon from a polar liquid.

Abstract: Adsorbent polymeric structures are described. These adsorbent polymeric structures are capable of separating non-polar hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or diesel fuel, from polar liquids, such as water. The adsorbent polymeric structures may include acid grafted graphene and at least one styrene. A method of preparing an adsorbent polymeric structure may include mixing graphene and at least one acid catalyst in a polar liquid in the presence of at least one alcohol to form an acid grafted graphene via an esterification reaction; and the acid grafted graphene and at least one styrene monomer are introduced to water in the presence of an initiator to form the adsorbent polymeric structure according to any of the previously-described embodiments via an emulsion polymerization reaction. Moreover, the adsorbent polymeric structures may be incorporated into methods of fluidly separating at least one non-polar hydrocarbon from a polar liquid.