In the dynamic landscape of crude oil production, one significant byproduct is produced water. This water, laden with contaminants such as oil, organics, and chemicals, necessitates meticulous treatment before it can be safely reused. Advanced treatment solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing water consumption and the need for additional water delivery.
What is Produced Water?
Produced water is the largest volume byproduct associated with oil and gas production. It consists of water trapped in underground formations that is brought to the surface along with oil and gas. This water contains a mixture of oil, chemicals, and naturally occurring substances, making it unsuitable for direct reuse without proper treatment.
Why Treat Produced Water?
Treating produced water is essential for several reasons:
Environmental Protection: Untreated produced water can be harmful to the environment if discharged without treatment due to its high levels of contaminants.
Operational Efficiency: Reusing treated produced water on-site reduces the need for fresh water, leading to cost savings and resource conservation.
Regulatory Compliance: Stringent environmental regulations require proper treatment and disposal of produced water to minimize ecological impact.
Applications of Treated Produced Water
Once treated, produced water can be repurposed for various applications, significantly enhancing resource efficiency in oil and gas operations:
Reservoir Stimulation: Treated water can be used to stimulate oil and gas reservoirs, aiding in increasing production.
Operational Uses: It can be utilized for fire control, power generation, and washing of vehicles and equipment.
Non-Edible Crop Irrigation: In some cases, treated water can be employed for irrigating non-edible crops, promoting agricultural sustainability.
Tailored Treatment Solutions by Everfilt®
Comprehensive Filtration Systems
Everfilt® specializes in designing and building water treatment systems tailored to specific project requirements. Our systems are equipped to handle various levels of contamination, ensuring that treated water meets the desired quality standards.
Treatment of Underground Mine Water
In mining operations, water is often pumped from the deepest parts of the mine to a holding pond or storage tank. Everfilt® water filtration systems process this water to the required filtration levels, eliminating contaminants and allowing for its reuse within the mining site.
Soluble & Non-Soluble Material Removal
Produced water contains both soluble and non-soluble materials, including suspended solids, dissolved solids, and various chemicals. Everfilt® systems are designed to effectively treat this water, reducing the need for additional water resources and promoting sustainable operations.
Hydrocarbons Removal
Hydrocarbons are a significant component of produced water. Everfilt® utilizes Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) for the adsorption and removal of soluble hydrocarbons from wastewater. This method is not only effective but also cost-efficient, making it a standard in the industry.
Drilling & Frac Water Treatment
Drilling and fracking operations generate significant volumes of water, comprising returned fracture fluid and formation water. Proper treatment and reuse of this water are crucial for efficient and sustainable operations. Everfilt® provides solutions that cater to the specific needs of each well, considering factors such as location, producing formation, and well age.
Treating produced water is a vital component of modern oil and gas production, offering substantial benefits in terms of operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. By leveraging advanced treatment solutions from Everfilt®, oil and gas companies can significantly reduce water consumption, minimize waste, and adhere to regulatory requirements.
Everfilt® stands ready to assist with customized treatment systems designed to meet the unique challenges of your project, ensuring that treated produced water can be effectively reused, enhancing both economic and environmental outcomes.
By integrating cutting-edge water treatment technologies, the oil and gas industry can move towards a more sustainable future, conserving valuable resources while maintaining high production standards.