(575a) Treatment of Produced Water by Ceramic Membranes

Ceramic membranes are at the interface of energy and water
through their application to produced water treatment.  In the production of oil and gas, water from
the reservoir is brought to the surface and this is termed produced water.  Worldwide, the ratio of water to oil that
comes from the wells is about 3:1, with the US having a much higher ratio than
the worldwide average.  The amount of
produced water generated each year is astounding.  Most produced water is reinjected
into disposal wells but given the potential recycle and reuse applications,
there is a strong need to treat the various types of produced water
available.  CeraMem" ceramic membranes, alone
and in combination with other unit operations, are being used to treat produced
water of different types.  The market
drivers for and results of produced water treatment processes using CeraMem" ceramic membranes will be
reviewed.