BRINE CONCENTRATION AND ZERO LIQUID DISCHARGE MATERIALS SELECTION IN THE HEAVY OIL INDUSTRY

摘要

Much current activity in the oil patch involves heavy oil recovery, including ex-situ oilsands and synfuel extraction and in-situ heavy oil recovery (inducing steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) projects). The produced water and wastewater streams are recovered for reuse using evaporation and crystallization processes. This paper focuses on materials selection for brine concentrators and crystallizers as they apply to heavy oil produced water and tailings pond water treatment. The waters are characterized by high sodium chloride content at atmospheric boiling. Surprising failures of Titanium Grade 12, nickel-chrome-moly alloys and high molybdenum stainless steels have occurred. These failures and possible remedies are discussed.