Chapter 10 - Water Injection Systems

Abstract

This chapter provides information about equipment selection and sizing for removing suspended solids and dissolved gases from water. The water's source affects the types and amounts of contaminants in the water. For example, produced water will be contaminated by some hydrocarbons. The treatment of water to remove calcium and magnesium dissolved solids (“water softening”) is important, especially if the water is to be used as boiler feed water for the generation of steam, as in a steam flood. The removal of suspended solids and dissolved gases from water may be desirable for a variety of reasons, the most common of which are to prepare the water for injection into a producing formation and to minimize the corrosion and solids build-up in surface equipment. Treating water for solids removal and for removal of dissolved gases are really two separate concepts, using two separate sets of theories and equipment. They are combined in this chapter only because both are usually considered together when designers plan a water treating system for water injection. With this presentation the designer can select the design required to prepare any water stream for several common uses. Along with this, solid removal equipment description is explained. The principles and equipment involved can also be applied when the water must be treated for other reasons.