Assessing the Performance of Treated Water for Enhanced Oil Recovery and Hydraulic Fracturing
Our dedicated research group is focused on developing innovative and effective methods for treating the produced water generated during oil extraction. Our primary focus is on removing both the total organic carbon (TOC) content and problematic cations such as calcium, magnesium, and iron from the produced water, and bringing them down to an acceptable range for reuse.
At our research center, we strive to develop sustainable solutions for the oil and gas industry. Our goal is to evaluate the potential of reusing treated produced water in hydraulic fracturing operations, reducing freshwater usage and minimizing environmental impact. To achieve this goal, we assessed the compatibility of the friction reducer with treated produced water and evaluated the rheological and viscoelastic properties of the mixture. We devise a protocol to identify each ion's threshold concentration and conduct selective treatment to reduce their concentration in the produced water. The results can be applied to design a cost-effective procedure for the removal of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe2+ ions from produced water while maintaining the stability of slick water with less quantity of Friction Reducer.
Our ultimate goal is to contribute to sustainable practices in the oil and gas industry and promote responsible management of water resources.
