Production Maximization

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Nalco EAME Headquarters

Nalco Europe Sàrl
A-One Business Park
Z.A. La Pièce 1
Route de l’Etraz
1180 Rolle
Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0)21 614 6400

Water Clarifiers

Oilfield produced water often contains residual quantities of oil and in many cases, solid particles. The oil can be either a source of revenue if removed, or a source of problems if left in the water. In the case of lost revenue, any oil left in the water wastes the time and money spent bringing it to the surface. Even small amounts of oil removed from the water over a period of time can lead to significant increases in revenue.

With regard to the problems that can occur if oil is left in the water, produced water that contains oil or other contaminants must be clean in order to be used to supply a water flood project or steam flood program. Oil and solids can quickly foul expensive water softening resin beads. Dirty water can also lead to costly maintenance programs for injection wells.

For both of the reasons, many types of equipment and chemical treatments are used to remove as much oil as possible from the water stream. Water clarification chemicals can be used to improve the efficiency of the separation equipment and reduce the total cost of operation.

The solids found in produced water are commonly particles of silt, sand and clay from the formation or can be the byproducts of corrosion and scale formation. These solids are usually removed along with the oil. They are eventually removed from the system as a waste material or passed to the refinery with the salable oil.

In addition to the loss of revenue and the reuse of produced water, concerns for nature have resulted in many new laws, regulations and agencies that closely monitor the oil left in produced water. Producers are severely penalized for discharging water to the environment that exceeds regulatory limits. Offshore platforms have been shut down for discharging water into the ocean that leaves a visible sheen.

Water clarification chemicals combined with Nalco’s field expertise can ensure that your produced water meets environmental requirements while increasing the amount of saleable oil and avoiding costly equipment repairs. An oil and gas producer’s overall ROI improves significantly with the proper selection of these products and service packages. Contact your Nalco sales representative.