Produced water consists of a complex composition of varied compounds. It is generated as the highest amount of byproduct through oil and gas production activities. Water produced from oil fields has the potential to be a fresh water resource and this has placed a greater level of importance on the need for produced water disposal.
Produced Water Treatment
The oil and gas industry treats produced water in different ways by using one or a combination of techniques.
* Some operators make an attempt to prevent the produced water by closing up water fractures but this particular option has often proven to be impractical. A popular method that is used by oil and gas operators is reinjection.
* Reinjection refers to the process of injecting produced water back into its underground formation or other available formations. In order for this process to be properly executed water usually needs to be transported and treated to prevent contamination.
* Another viable water treatment option is to discharge the produced water to the environment. Discharging produced water in the environment can only be done according to the regulations that govern how discharge processes take place.
* Produced water that has been treated can also be reused in the oil and gas industry. It is used to carry out a range of operations such as drilling.
* Produced water can be beneficial for the agriculture sector as a source of water that is used for purposes ranging from irrigation to consumption by domestic animals.
* Produced water that is targeted for consumption needs to go through significant levels or stages of treatment.
Produced Water Management
Environmental impact and economic considerations have led to research for deeper insight into produced water disposal. Commonly used treatment methods are aimed at removing a variety of substances that are found in the large volumes of water. Oil fields account for more than half of the produced water that is generated on a daily basis globally.
The levels of compounds in produced water vary in accordance with factors such as geological formations, reservoir maturity and the kind of hydrocarbons that have been generated. Although produced water may contain toxic substances proper management ensures that it offers numerous benefits.
Produced water treatment is vital as it pertains to the environment and legislation. The reality is that the population continues to rise and this directly influences the demand for fresh water. Produced water disposal plays an important role in providing a sustainable fresh water source.
The application of various technologies serves to enhance the management of produced water on a global scale. For more information about produced water disposal please visit Hedenvironmentalsystems.com.
