Produced water consists of a mixture of various compounds and is the most significant byproduct of the fuel production industry. The possibility of using this kind of water as a source of water that can be used in areas that have limited resources continues to be an issue of widespread interest.
There are strict regulations in place that focus on how product water should be released to the environment and made it necessary for the fuel industry to play an active role in produced water remediation.
There are varied environmentally sound technologies that are applicable for the purpose of facilitating effective produced water management. The application of different aspects of technology that include electrochemistry can ease the process of storing energy, producing safe, clean water and recovering minerals from the water without adverse effects on the environment.
Complexities of Produced Water
Produced water is complex owing to the numerous compounds it contains. These compounds are categorized as organic and inorganic. The water that is produced as a result of gas and oil drilling operations contributes to the most significant stream of waste water in the industry. Produced water refers to the water that rises to the surface along with natural gas or oil. Billions of barrels of water are produced on a yearly basis arising from industry operations.
Produced water remediation typically involves pipes through which the produced water is pumped below the surface of the water. On land, the produced water is handled through storage in pits and wells after which the water is released to the environment. When the water contains what is regarded as contaminants in significant amounts poses the risk of polluting the environment.
Before produced water can be disposed-of, it is important to adhere to the regulations that outline what constitutes the produced water. Environmental concerns are based on whether or not the produced water released to the environment meets the terms that govern proper disposal. Fuel operators use different techniques to achieve produced water management.
Innovative Produced Water Management
Some operators attempt to prevent the production of water through the placement of separators, but this is one of the least practical solutions. Produced water can be stored but when it is restored as a formation, it can end up polluting the environment. Produced water remediation can also be achieved by discharging it to the environment in accordance with discharge policies. For produced water to be consumed, it has to undergo intense treatment processes.
Concerns regarding the environment and how produced water can be used beneficially have inspired further research into how produced water can be handled effectively. Find out more on visit us website