Not all produced water can be recycled or reused for other drilling operations. In some cases, the salt content of the produced water is simply too high. For example, regardless of the formation, current fracturing technologies require the use of relatively low salinity water. High salt content makes the injection fluid difficult to pump downhole, thus increasing the power requirements and resulting in higher volumes of chemicals needed to reduce friction.
State regulations also play a major role in the industry’s ability to recycle or reuse produced water. Until recently, Louisiana did not allow the use of produced water in any capacity.
State regulations also play a major role in the industry’s ability to recycle or reuse produced water. Until recently, Louisiana did not allow the use of produced water in any capacity.
Wellsite location is also a factor for produced water management. For instance, in some areas of the Haynesville shales, well locations are widely spaced. Due to this distance, the creation and operation of a centralized treatment facility would result in higher volumes of truck traffic than that associated with the disposal of the fluid in a nearby saltwater injection well (SWD). In fact, even when produced water is treated or distilled, the salt content which is filtered out must still be transported and disposed of properly.
Founded under the concept of water recovery and reuse in 2006, Chesapeake’s innovative Aqua Renew® program is utilizing state-of-the-art technology in an effort to recycle produced water across the companies operating area.