FORMATION WATER
WHAT IS FORMATION WATER?
Formation water is water that appears during the drilling process for oil and gas extraction. It’s very dense and viscose. In fact, the chemical properties may vary accordingly to the crude extracted but usually contains salts composed of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, CO32−, and HCO3−.
Oil and grease in formation water includes free oil, dispersed oil (small oil droplets), and emulsified oil. This discharge, along with produced water, involves compliance with stringent regulations. Removal methods depend on the end usage of treated water and the composition of oil in the produced water.
The formation water treatment for reuse and recycle includes underground injection to stimulate additional oil production, use for irrigation, livestock or wildlife watering and habitat. Along with various industrial uses (e.g., dust control, vehicle washing, power plant makeup water, and fire control).
HOW TO TREAT FORMATION WATER?
The process to treat formation water usually depends on the usage of the product water and the chemical properties of the formation water.
However the process can be summed up in four (4) stages:
- Separation: removing crude, oil and other contaminants in the water that can clog filters downstream.
- Suspended Solid Removal: eliminating small size particles remaining.
- Dissolved solid removal: using low and high pressure membranes.
- Conditioning: depending on the quality of the water it may be a post treatment station for disinfection or activated carbon filtration.
HOW TO KNOW THE TYPE OF FORMATION WATER
Since every water source has different composition, we strongly recommend to perform a complete water analysis to properly size the arsenic removal solution that meet the customer’s criteria. These are the basic parameters to know in order to properly size the solution.
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Iron content (Fe)
- Hardness ( Ca and Mg )
- Sulfate (SO4)
- BOD
- Turbidity
- Heavy metals content (Pb ) , (Cd), Cr, (Sb) and (Mo)
- Incoming Power
- Incoming feed flow and source
OUR SOLUTION
Typically we recommend the following steps:
Complete flowchart for formation water reuse below showing the ADVANCEES systems. This flowchart vary based on raw water quality and customer’s requirement. Many options and combinations are possible, the best solution needs to accommodate the minimum life cycle cost such as low operating cost, low maintenance, easy to operate and monitor.
THE BEST TREATMENT TO PROCESS FORMATION WATER
Naturally occurring water found in subterranean formations next to oil and gas deposits is referred to as formation water, connate water, or generated water. When producing oil and gas, it comes to the surface and presents the sector with several obstacles.
Variations in the geological formation, depth, and surrounding rock matrix can all affect the composition of formation water. Salts, minerals, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants are usually dissolved in it.
Salinity levels in formation water are frequently high, rendering it unfit for agricultural or human consumption. It could include a variety of chemicals, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons, all of which, if improperly handled, could be hazardous to human health and the environment. Achieving efficient management and disposal techniques is necessary due to the substantial amount of formation water generated during the extraction of oil and gas.
Limiting the impact on the environment and adhering to regulations both depend on the efficient management and treatment of formation water. The removal of formation water can be accomplished via treatment and release into surface water bodies, evaporation ponds, or injection wells. Formation water is treated with a variety of technologies to remove impurities and lessen their negative environmental effects, including membrane processes, chemical precipitation, and filtering.
To avoid contaminating surface water bodies and groundwater resources, stringent environmental rules govern the disposal and management of formation water. To stay out of trouble with the law and avoid penalties, oil and gas companies must adhere to regulations.
The sector faces particular difficulties when dealing with formation of water, a byproduct of oil and gas extraction. Achieving regulatory compliance, reducing environmental impact, and protecting water resources for future generations all depend on effective management and treatment solutions.
ADVANCEES
ADVANCEES
ADVANCEES