Treatment of Produced Water by Ceramic Membranes

Ceramic membranes are at the interface of energy and water through their application to produced water treatment.  In the production of oil and gas, water from the reservoir is brought to the surface and this is termed produced water.  Worldwide, the ratio of water to oil that comes from the wells is about 3:1, with the US having a much higher ratio than the worldwide average.  The amount of produced water generated each year is astounding.  Most produced water is reinjected into disposal wells but given the potential recycle and reuse applications, there is a strong need to treat the various types of produced water available.  CeraMem" ceramic membranes, alone and in combination with other unit operations, are being used to treat produced water of different types.  The market drivers for and results of produced water treatment processes using CeraMem" ceramic membranes will be reviewed.