Looking for ideas on produced water usage

Alan Bailey

Petroleum News

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy has formed an agreement with Chevron Technology Ventures, to provide expertise in a CTV competition seeking creative ways of using water produced in association with oil and gas production. Because the water contains impurities that are difficult to deal with, it is generally more cost effective to dispose of the water, typically through re-injection, rather than to treat and use it. But could the water be more usefully employed in agriculture, mineral extraction, or could it be better re-used in oil and gas production?

CTV, a division of Chevron USA Inc., organizes a series of technical challenges. Participants submit ideas for solving some technical problem and CTV selects winners. In the case of the produced water challenge, CTV is looking for ideas for water management at a delivered price in the range 40 cents to 75 cents per barrel. Up to three finalists will each receive an award of $25,000 and be considered for participation in a field trial, participation in a CTV program or considered for an equity investment.

DOE says that under its agreement with CTV the agency will share its technical expertise, to help CTV’s prizewinner selection. The agency will also provide experts to help answer technical questions that may arise during the judging. Over time, DOE will also seek other cooperative opportunities with CTV. However, DOE will not participate in judging the applications or determining the prizewinners, DOE says.

“Collaboration between FE (the Office of Fossil Energy) and industry is critical to the continued development of cost-effective solutions to oil and natural gas challenges,” said Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg. “The department’s cooperation with Chevron Technology Ventures will provide important perspectives and ideas for overcoming produced water challenges.”

- ALAN BAILEY