Review of Flowback and Produced Water Management, Treatment, and Beneficial Use for Major Shale Gas Development Basins

Abstract

Produced water management is a major challenge to oil and natural gas exploration and production, in particular for unconventional gas development. Rapid development of shale gas production, regulations, water scarcity, concerns of environmental impacts, and limited disposal options are driving operators to consider, plan and change their current hydraulic fracturing and produced water management methods. Development of beneficial use for various applications has become a new trend for sustainable shale gas production. Treatment and beneficial use of flowback and produced water can enhance gas recovery and economic viability of gas production. It also minimizes potential environmental impacts, reduces demands on local water supplies, and meets regulatory requirements. However, there are many factors affecting the feasibility of beneficial reuse including water quality and quantity, appropriate treatment technologies, economics, disposal options and capacities, environmental impact, and regulations. The objective of this study is to evaluate the challenges and prospect of beneficial use through review of existing studies on flowback and produced water management in major shale plays.