(73k) A Comparative Economic Evaluation of Treatment Versus Re-Injection of Produced Water in Texas Oil Extraction Operations

The escalating demand for energy resources underscores the significance of managing produced water, a byproduct of oil extraction, which presents critical environmental and economic challenges. Particularly in Texas, a leading oil-producing region globally, the treatment and disposal of produced water are fraught with complexities. This study conducts a comprehensive comparative economic assessment between treating produced water and re-injecting it into reservoirs post-oil extraction in Texas. Furthermore, it examines potential revenue streams and cost savings associated with each approach, including the sale of treated water for beneficial reuse and the avoidance of disposal fees through re-injection. Through an extensive review of literature, industry reports, and empirical data, this study aims to offer insights into the economic viability and sustainability of both treatment and re-injection strategies for managing produced water in Texas oil fields.

Employing a quantitative analysis approach, this research evaluates the costs linked with treatment and re-injection strategies, considering factors such as initial capital investment, operational expenses, regulatory compliance, and environmental impacts. Literature indicates that the volume of produced water could surpass that of the produced hydrocarbon by over tenfold during a reservoir's lifespan. Despite the advent of new technologies, traditional methods like gravity separation, hydrocyclone, and media filters, with a cost of $0.509 per cubic meter, are favoured for treating produced water for injection purposes. However, in regions like Iran with poor water quality, reuse options are limited, and efficient technologies are scarce. Mechanical Vapor Compression (MVC) and Multi-Effective Desalination (MED) technologies emerge as viable desalination options. According to findings, an MVC treatment system with appropriate pretreatment can recover 50% of produced water, representing the optimal water recycling option with a total treatment cost of $3.808 per cubic meter.

The research underscores the pivotal role of economic factors in determining the life cycle of oil fields, as the substantial volume of produced water and evolving environmental regulations significantly impact production, treatment, and disposal costs. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of economic trade-offs in produced water management within the Texas oil industry, thereby informing decision-making processes for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental practitioners. Ultimately, the research aims to foster the adoption of more efficient and environmentally sustainable strategies for produced water management, aligning with broader goals of sustainable development and resource conservation in the energy sector.