(528f) Multistage Cross-Flow Filtration Process for Efficient Treatment of Oil-Field Produced Water Using Ceramic Membranes

Produced water (PW), formation water or brine as it is sometimes referred to, describes contaminated water that is generated along with the oil and gas in both onshore and offshore production operations. By far the largest by-product or waste stream by volume associated with oil and gas extraction. This water is always cleaned to some extent where the level of cleaning is determined by the intended use and/or current discharge regulations.

The increased volume of produced water handled in petroleum and natural gas production is becoming a major concern, especially with the possibility of further reduction in the oil content allowed in the discharged water (offshore operations), as well as the fact that produced water contains a number of undesirable toxic components. The quantity of water produced per unit volume of hydrocarbons varies greatly, but typically increases with the age of the production field.

This investigation focuses on the characterization of permeate flux using ceramic microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes for efficient treatment of oilfield produced water. Results for average flux rates, flux degradation, total organic carbon (TOC) removal and oil removal efficiency are shown.