Anti-Fouling Reverse Osmosis Desalination System

It is estimated that 14 billion barrels of produced water was generated by onshore exploration and production (E&P) in 2002 alone. The produced water comprises approximately 98% of the total waste generated by oil and gas E&P. Additionally, many coal-bed methane processes, as well as other non-conventional oil and gas exploration processes, occur in the western U.S. where water is a precious resource for drinking and irrigation. These factors provide a strong incentive to convert the produced water to potable or irrigational form. This project will employ a highly efficient and fouling-resistant reverse-osmosis water treatment system that will elevate the produced water to potable water or irrigation standards. The resulting waste will be in the form of a concentrated brine slurry for easy disposal. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: A successful project would create a new technology for desalination applications. The system also could be used for seawater desalination, where conventional membrane processes account for over 50% of installed capacity world wide.