Abstract
There is approximately 508.7 million cubic meters (3.2 million barrels) of oilfield-produced water generated per year across the oil fields of California. While less than 2% of this produced water receives advanced treatment for beneficial reuse, changing regulations and increasing scarcity of freshwater resources is expected to increase the demand for beneficial reuse. This paper reviews onshore-produced water quality across California, relevant standards and treatment objectives for beneficial reuse, identifies contaminants of concern, and treatment process design considerations. Lastly, we evaluate the capital and operating costs of an integrated membrane system for treating produced water based on data from a field pilot conducted in the coastal region of California.
Highlights
From the 508.7 million cubic meters (3.2 billion barrels) of produced water generated annually in California, only 8% receives some form of advanced treatment for beneficial reuse
Tightening regulations, California’s limited access to freshwater resources, and the proximity of most oilfields to farmlands will likely increase the demand for beneficial reuse
The main categories of contaminants that need to be addressed are free oil and greases, suspended solids, dissolved organics and hydrocarbons, hardness and inorganic salts, and silica. Boron is another parameter that is universally present at potentially toxic levels in produced waters across California
Summary
“Produced water” and “associated water” are the oilfield terms given to the water that is co-generated when producing crude oil and gas (hereafter “produced water”) Produced water comprises both connate or formation water that is naturally occurring and water that is injected as part of enhanced oil recovery processes (e.g., water flooding, polymer flooding, steam flooding, etc.). Citrus, and avocado.majority of produced water in California is brackish and the most cost-effective means There of advanced treatment is reverse osmosis and (RO). Volume receives advanced produced qualities different regions of California and the treatment objectivesrange needed treatmentwater needed to bringacross the concentrations of various contaminants down to an acceptable for for beneficial reuse, process considerations andof treatment costs using real process any reuse purpose. Given the higher ratio of produced water to oil in the southern region compared to the coastal
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
