Efficient Produce Water Treatment
What Produced Water Contains
Produced water is the water that comes up with the hydrocarbon stream, also called formation water or oilfield brine. It is the largest volume stream on most producing assets, and its composition is set by the reservoir rather than by the process.
| Constituent | Origin | Why it must be addressed |
|---|---|---|
| Dispersed and dissolved hydrocarbon | Carryover from the separation train | The parameter discharge consents are written against |
| Suspended solids | Formation sand, scale and corrosion products | Abrasion, plugging of injection formations, turbidity at discharge |
| Heavy metals | Leached from the formation | Persistent in the receiving environment |
| Dissolved salts | Formation brine | Corrosion, scaling, and a limit on reuse without further treatment |
Handling routes
| Route | What it requires of the water |
|---|---|
| Reinjection for pressure support | Solids and oil low enough not to plug the receiving formation |
| Discharge to surface or sea | Compliance with the oil in water limit in the consent |
| Reuse on site | Treatment appropriate to the duty it is reused for |
When it comes to produce water treatment, PuraSpecs stands out as a leading provider of produce water treatment services. With a focus on separator and decanter technology, PuraSpecs ensures optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
Scope of Supply
Equipment is selected against the water analysis, the flow rate and the route the water will take, since injection and discharge set different targets.
Treatment is configured to the limit that applies, whether that is the oil in water figure in a discharge consent or the solids specification for the receiving formation.
Units can be added or changed as produced water volume rises through field life, which is the normal trajectory as water cut increases.
Skid mounted units are transported and commissioned without permanent works, so treatment can start early in the campaign. Ask for current rental availability.
Engineering FAQ
What is produced water?
The water that comes up with the hydrocarbon stream, also called formation water or oilfield brine. It is the largest volume stream on most producing assets.
What does produced water contain?
Dispersed and dissolved hydrocarbon, suspended solids such as formation sand, scale and corrosion products, heavy metals leached from the formation, and dissolved salts.
What sets its composition?
The reservoir rather than the process, which is why the handling route is decided per asset rather than by a standard recipe.
Talk to an Engineer
Send the water analysis, the flow rate and whether the water is destined for injection, discharge or reuse. We will return a configuration and a scope of supply. See also crude oil dehydration for the oil side of the same separation train.