Determining Feasibility of West Virginia Oil and Gas Field Brines as Highway Deicing Agents. Phase 1 and Appendix A. Estimate of Brine Production in West Virginia

摘要

A comprehensive research project to determine the feasibility of West Virginia oil and gas field brines as highway deicing agents is described. A literature review presents the state-of-the-art of oil and gas field waste handling practices and the use of commercial salts and natural brines for deicing. Forty-nine brine samples, from 12 separate oil and gas fields were collected and analyzed. Tests conducted included melting and freezing tests, stability tests and an assessment of the variability of brines over time and from different fields. Results of field testing conducted during two winters demonstrated that West Virginia brines were effective deicing agents over a wide variety of weather and pavement conditions when applied via either gravity or high pressure techniques. Gravity flow systems were less costly and had fewer maintenance problems associated with them. Two alternative brine storage and handling systems were described and an economic analysis conducted.