Core (Oil and Gas) Ltd

Produced Water Optimisation

OSPAR and OPPC legislation changes have made oil discharged overboard in produced water the most expensive oil in the world. This is due to the taxation levied on the tonnage of oil discharged overboard. All Operators are required to demonstrate an 18% reduction in oil discharged compared to year 2000 figures. Additionally, the 40ppm historical maximum limit has been lowered to 30ppm.

These legislation changes combined with the possibilities to trade any unused consent provides significant opportunities. Produced water systems invariably operate below design efficiency levels. Therefore, produced water optimisation improvements can deliver significant benefits with no capital expenditure.

A series of relatively straightforward steps will increase the efficiency and operability of a produced water system.

Major problems with produced water systems occur during field startup, during unstable produced water rates or when rates are very high due to 3rd party pipeline sweep.

Produced Water Re-Injection systems are prone to well fouling if the oil content of produced water is high. These systems also suffer from instability if slugging occurs and this can cause problems for the recycle systems on high head pumps.

Core personnel have extensive experience of produced water plant including:-

• Hydrocyclones
• Plate Skimmer vessels.
• Induced Gas Flotation units and modern compact units.
• Degassers.
• Wallnut shell filters.
• Produced Water Re-Injection Systems.