High capacity polysilsequioxane-based sorbents were evaluated at both bench and pilot scale for the removal of dispersed and dissolved organics in flow back and produced water emanating from various plays (Bakken, Marcellus, Clinton). The sorbent media was engineered to swell when absorbing organics allowing for extended capacity and providing a mechanism for in-field regeneration.  Target organics included polymer fragments, surfactants (2-butoxyethanol), formation hydrocarbons, and residual additives that may affect performance for flow back re-use.  The price to treat flow back water was evaluated in comparison other disposal methods including deep well injection.  In addition to direct cost of treatment, economic factors such as the ability to reuse the water and recovery of valuable commodities, such as rare earth elements, will be outlined. The combination of sorbent media and bioswales is currently being studied with full scale systems for the purposes of drill pad environmental compliance and post-completion water management requirements.

Removal of organic solutes from flow back water

247th National Meeting (2014)

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