Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Introduction to Produced Water in Oil & Gas Operations

• Understand the origin and composition of produced water.
• Identify key contaminants in produced water (oil, grease, solids, heavy metals, bacteria, dissolved gases, and salts).
• Learn about the impact of produced water on operations and the environment.

2. Produced Water Characterization and Analysis

• Conduct water quality analysis (pH, TDS, TSS, COD, BOD, hydrocarbons, sulfates, and chlorides).
• Evaluate scaling potential (calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, strontium sulfate).
• Assess bacterial contamination (SRB and APB) and its impact on pipelines and reservoir souring.

3. Separation and Primary Treatment Technologies

• Gravity-based separation:
• API separators.
• Corrugated plate interceptors (CPI).
• Induced gas flotation (IGF) and dissolved air flotation (DAF).
• Filtration and coalescence:
• Walnut shell filters.
• Hydrocyclones for oil-water separation.
• Chemical treatment:
• Demulsifiers and flocculants.
• Scale and corrosion inhibitors.
• Biocides for microbial control.

4. Secondary and Tertiary Treatment Technologies

• Membrane-based technologies:
• Reverse osmosis (RO) for desalination.
• Nanofiltration and ultrafiltration for contaminant removal.
• Advanced oxidation and biological treatments:
• Electrocoagulation for heavy metal removal.
• Constructed wetlands and bioreactors for biological degradation.

5. Produced Water Disposal and Reuse Strategies

• Compare disposal options (injection wells, evaporation ponds, offshore discharge).
• Optimize water reinjection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
• Assess reuse opportunities (agriculture, industrial use, and surface water discharge).

6. Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Considerations

• Ensure compliance with EPA, OSPAR, MARPOL, REACH, and local water discharge regulations.
• Follow discharge limits for hydrocarbons, TDS, and metals.
• Implement best practices for minimizing environmental impact.

7. Troubleshooting and Process Optimization

• Identify common issues in produced water treatment (scaling, corrosion, oil carryover, bacterial growth).
• Implement real-time monitoring and automation for water treatment efficiency.
• Develop cost-effective and energy-efficient treatment solutions.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world produced water treatment challenges and solutions.
• Participate in hands-on exercises for water characterization and treatment design.
• Develop a site-specific produced water management plan.

Target Audience

• Process and production engineers
• Water treatment specialists and environmental engineers
• Facility operators and maintenance personnel
• HSE and regulatory compliance officers
• Asset integrity and sustainability managers