Sulfate Removal to Prevent Scaling in a Moderate Salinity Environment via Expanded Granular Sludge Bed Reactors (EGSBs)

摘要

In conclusion, sulfate reducing bacteria were successfully grown in two EGSB reactors treating a synthetic produced water. The ability of the bacterial community to thrive in moderate salinity environment proves the applicability of the system to successfully perform in a real-world application, such as treating a moderate salinity produced water for secondary oil production. Based on calculations made using the PHREEQC model, oil production sites considering reusing produced waters commonly encountered in the Wyoming's Minnnelusa oil formation could greatly benefit from this technology. Future work in this area should focus on removing the sulfide content, and possibly considering the simultaneously removal of COD to prevent biofilm growth in wells and reservoirs.