Review of Flowback and Produced Water Management, Treatment and Beneficial Use for Major Shale Gas Development Basins

摘要

Produced water management is a major challenge to oil and natural gas exploration and production, in particular for unconventional gas development. Rapid development of shale gas production, regulations, water scarcity, concerns of environmental impacts, and limited disposal options are driving operators to consider, plan and change their current hydraulic fracturing and produced water management methods. Development of beneficial use of produced water has become a new trend for sustainable shale gas production. Treatment and beneficial use of flowback and produced water can enhance gas recovery and economic viability of gas production. It also minimizes potential environmental impacts, reduces demands on local water supplies, and meets regulatory requirements. However, there are many factors affecting the feasibility of beneficial reuse including water quality and quantity, appropriate treatment technologies, economics, disposal options and capacities, environmental impact, and regulations. This study evaluated the challenges and prospect of beneficial use through review of existing studies on flowback and produced water management in major shale plays. Currently, operators in Marcellus Shale are reusing over 90% of flowback and produced water, mainly for hydraulic fracturing. Barnett Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Fayetteville Shale and Haynesville Shale, are using deep well injection as their primary disposal method. However, produced water beneficial use potential in Barnett, Eagle Ford and Fayetteville is expected high due to new regulations and water shortage due to droughts.