Solar driven produced water treatment for beneficial uses

Solar driven produced water treatment for beneficial uses

The APPEA Journal

  • Author(s): Gunness, Ralph, Wee, Hensley, Lee, Ronald, Nguyen, Luong N., Nghiem, Long D.
  • Published: 2021
  • Volume: 61

Abstract: This study evaluates the feasibility of an emerging technology – a concentrated solar multi-effect distiller (CSMED) – to supply high quality water for beneficial use at Eromanga, which is located in a remote and dry region of Australia. Produced water from the Kenmore oil field is the only reliable water source at Eromanga and has been approved for livestock watering. The process utilises concentrated solar technology to drive a multi-effect distiller, making the process ideal for the Australian outback. Historical water parameters of the produced water were assessed against the water guidelines for irrigation, livestock watering, municipal and potable use. The proposed treatment will further improve key water quality parameters to exceed guideline requirements for unrestricted water uses mentioned above. The CSMED produces a high-quality distillate (i.e. treated water) free of all mineral salts that can be mixed with the produced water to increase the final product water volume. An Excel based model was developed to determine suitable blending ratios while maintaining the water quality for each beneficial use. For production of livestock watering and potable use, a blending ratio (of at least 19% v/v) between the CSMED distillate and produced water can be applied, significantly increasing the final water volume. The Excel based model could also indicate chemical addition for adjustment of sodium absorption ratio in the case of irrigation application. The brine from the CSMED can potentially be used to prepare drilling mud for oil field operation. An on-site performance study of the CSMED system has been planned to validate these results.

  • Urls: https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ20089
  • Keywords: concentrated solar multi-effect distiller, oil operations, produced water, water quality guideline, beneficial water uses, Eromanga Basin, Kenmore oil field

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