Spent Caustic Treatment: The Case For Wet Air Oxidation Over Incineration

In the Middle East, incineration is a popular method for treating spent caustic, the harsh byproduct of ethylene production. However, incineration can be problematic when treating wastewater with a high total dissolved solids content. Wet air oxidation (WAO) offers a solid alternative with potentially lower overall lifecycle costs.

Oil and Gas Online spoke with Mark Clark of Siemens about the downfalls of incineration for treating spent caustic, the business case for using WAO, and the new technology that is making it a viable alternative in water-stressed regions of the world.