Enhanced flocculation and clarification of produced water using nanoparticles
AssigneeBaker Hughes, A Ge Company, LLC
InventorsOleksandr Kuznetsov, Radhika Suresh, Valery Khabashesku
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Abstract
Various illustrative embodiments of a process for enhanced flocculation and clarification of produced water from oil and gas wells using nanoparticles are provided herein. Certain nanoparticles can increase the settling rate of solids in produced water when used alone or combined with certain conventional flocculents.
Claims12
A method of separating mature fine tailings from a suspension comprising mature fine tailings and water, the method comprising:
- dispersing inorganic nanoparticles into the suspension such that the inorganic nanoparticles interact with the mature fine tailings, the inorganic nanoparticles having a diameter of 50 nanometers or smaller, wherein the inorganic nanoparticles comprise an amine-terminated nanosilica that promotes coagulation of the mature fine tailings;
- and
- introducing a flocculent in the suspension such that the flocculent interacts with the mature fine tailings.
A method of separating solid materials from a suspension of produced water comprising solid materials and water from an oil and gas well, the method comprising:
- dispersing inorganic nanoparticles into the suspension such that the inorganic nanoparticles interact with the solid materials, the inorganic nanoparticles having a diameter of 50 nanometers or smaller, wherein the inorganic nanoparticles comprise an amine-terminated nanosilica that promotes coagulation of the solid materials, and
- introducing a flocculent into the suspension such that the flocculent interacts with the solid materials.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.