The Use of Ultrasound Techniques to Reduce the Number of Bacteria in Oilfield Produced Water

Nader Alhamalawi

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

This work deals with the ultrasound technology and their applications in the petroleum industry. The investigations in this study specialize in the treatment of water that is co-produced during oil production. This water contains various impurities and bacteria, which can cause corrosion, damage and plugging of the production conditioning- and water injection system. It also could lead to development of harmful and health hazardous gases. By injecting into the reservoir the bacteria can lead to the so called "souring" of the reservoir. Ultrasound can disable bacteria quickly and above all environmentally friendly. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of ultrasonic radiation against bacteria as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment method for large-scaled use in comparison with currently used techniques in the petroleum industry such as biocide or UV-irradiation. With the results obtained in the laboratory, models are made for a scale-up in order to calculate costs for a large plant.
Translated title of the contributionDer Einsatz von Ultraschalltechnologien zur Reduzierung der Anzahl der Bakterien im Erdölbegleitwasser
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Hofstätter, Herbert, Supervisor (internal)
Award date27 Mar 2015
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Bibliographical note

embargoed until 05-11-2019

Keywords

  • Ultrasound
  • Bacteria
  • Disinfection
  • Produced water
  • Oilfield
  • Scale-up

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