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Integrated Electrocoagulation, Ultrafiltration, Membrane Distillation, and Crystallization for Treating Produced
Mahmood Jebur1,2, Yelyzaveta Bachynska1, Xiaolei Hao3
1Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
Membranes
|June 27, 2023
Summary
This study demonstrates an integrated electrocoagulation, ultrafiltration, membrane distillation, and crystallization (EC UF MDC) process effectively treats produced water (PW). Optimizing this system maximizes water recovery and promotes sustainable water resource management in the oil and gas industry.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Produced water (PW) from hydraulic fracturing presents disposal challenges and represents a potential water resource.
- Membrane fouling and scale formation are significant limitations in water treatment processes, impacting efficiency and durability.
- Sustainable water management is crucial for the oil and gas industry to conserve resources and minimize environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the viability of an integrated electrocoagulation, ultrafiltration, membrane distillation, and crystallization (EC UF MDC) process for maximizing water recovery from produced water.
- To investigate methods for mitigating membrane fouling and scale formation in the treatment process.
- To assess the potential impact of the EC UF MDC process on water resources and oil & gas operations.
Main Methods:
- An integrated process combining electrocoagulation (EC), ultrafiltration (UF), membrane distillation (MD), and crystallization (MDC) was employed.
- EC and UF were used as pretreatment steps to remove total suspended solids (TSS) and total organic carbon (TOC), addressing membrane fouling.
- MD was combined with crystallization to suppress scale formation on hydrophobic membranes.
Main Results:
- The integrated EC UF MDC process demonstrated effectiveness in treating produced water.
- Pretreatment with EC and UF successfully removed TSS and TOC, crucial for mitigating membrane fouling.
- Inducing crystallization in the feed tank effectively suppressed scale formation on the MD membrane, enhancing system durability.
- Optimizing unit operations within the EC UF MDC process can significantly increase water recovery rates.
Conclusions:
- The integrated EC UF MDC process offers a viable solution for treating produced water, maximizing water recovery.
- Effective pretreatment is essential to manage membrane fouling, ensuring the long-term performance of membrane separation systems.
- This technology supports water conservation by enabling the treatment and reuse of produced water, reducing reliance on freshwater sources and minimizing disposal volumes.
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