Project number
25071
Organization
UA Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Offering
ENGR498-F2024-S2025
Produced water is a key byproduct of oil and gas extraction via hydraulic fracturing. This process injects water at flow rates of 100 barrels per minute and pressures of up to 15,000 psi to release hydrocarbons trapped in underground formations, primarily shale. If not handled properly, produced water poses environmental risks through spills, leaks or excessive use. Its complex composition – which includes various chemicals, salts, minerals, and additional additives and varies based on a company’s fracturing process and location – is a significant concern that makes managing produced water a critical challenge for the industry.
Hazardous materials – such as heavy metals and naturally occurring radioactive substances, as well as high salinity levels – make this water unsuitable for reuse without purification. Saltwater disposal wells (SWDs) are the primary treatment solution, but they come with limitations. The sheer volume of produced water can overwhelm SWDs, creating inefficiencies and delaying purification. Hydraulic fracturing can be particularly costly in arid regions where water is scarce. This makes water recycling essential.
The shale gas industry is increasingly focused on converting produced water into profitable byproducts before it reaches SWDs to offset purification costs. Extracting constituents such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, strontium chloride and strontium sulfate represent valuable opportunities for sustainable resource management.
Hazardous materials – such as heavy metals and naturally occurring radioactive substances, as well as high salinity levels – make this water unsuitable for reuse without purification. Saltwater disposal wells (SWDs) are the primary treatment solution, but they come with limitations. The sheer volume of produced water can overwhelm SWDs, creating inefficiencies and delaying purification. Hydraulic fracturing can be particularly costly in arid regions where water is scarce. This makes water recycling essential.
The shale gas industry is increasingly focused on converting produced water into profitable byproducts before it reaches SWDs to offset purification costs. Extracting constituents such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, strontium chloride and strontium sulfate represent valuable opportunities for sustainable resource management.