Wet air oxidation of fracturing flowback fluids over promoted bimetallic Cu-Cr catalyst

Abstract

Fracturing flowback fluid (FFF) is one of the most toxic effluents in oil and gas fields. The catalysts prepared by excessive impregnation were used wet air oxidation (CWAO) of FFFs at oxygen partial pressure (PO2) of 2.5MPa and temperature of 250°C. Catalysts were characterized by H2-TPR, XRD, SEM and EDS. Results revealed that the activated carbon (AC) supported CuCr had a better catalytic performance due to superior dispersion, lower reduction temperature, and strong interaction between Cu and Cr. Using the optimal 5%Cu1%Cr/AC catalyst (loading 10g/L), about 97% chemical oxygen demand (COD) can be removed.