U.S. patent application number 13/007369 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for method and system for servicing a wellbore.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. Invention is credited to Rory DAUSSIN, Phillip C. HARRIS, Diptabhas SARKAR.
Application Number | 20120181014 13/007369 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489891 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120181014 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAUSSIN; Rory ; et
al. |
July 19, 2012 |
Method and system for servicing a wellbore
Abstract
A system for servicing a wellbore, comprising a water source, a
first water stream from the water source comprising undissolved
solids, dissolved organics and undissolved organics, the first
water stream being introduced into a mobile electrocoagulation
unit, a second water stream comprising coalesced undissolved
solids, coalesced undissolved organics and dissolved organics, the
second water stream being emitted from the electrocoagulation unit
and introduced into a mobile separation unit, a third water stream
comprising dissolved organics, the third water stream being emitted
from the separation unit, an ozone stream emitted from a mobile
ozone generator and added to the third water stream comprising
dissolved organics to form an ozonated water stream comprising
dissolved organics, the ozonated water stream comprising dissolved
organics being introduced into a mobile ultraviolet irradiation
unit, a fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved
solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms, the
fourth water stream being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation
unit, and a wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the wellbore
servicing fluid is formed using the fourth water stream, the
wellbore servicing fluid being placed in the wellbore.
Inventors: |
DAUSSIN; Rory; (Spring,
TX) ; SARKAR; Diptabhas; (Houston, TX) ;
HARRIS; Phillip C.; (Duncan, OK) |
Assignee: |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES,
INC.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
46489891 |
Appl. No.: |
13/007369 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/90.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 2209/11 20130101;
E21B 43/267 20130101; C02F 1/32 20130101; C02F 1/463 20130101; C02F
1/78 20130101; C02F 9/00 20130101; C02F 2201/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/90.1 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/00 20060101
E21B019/00 |
Claims
1. A system for servicing a wellbore, comprising: a water source; a
first water stream from the water source comprising undissolved
solids, dissolved organics and undissolved organics, the first
water stream being introduced into a mobile electrocoagulation
unit; a second water stream comprising coalesced undissolved
solids, coalesced undissolved organics and dissolved organics, the
second water stream being emitted from the electrocoagulation unit
and introduced into a mobile separation unit; a third water stream
comprising dissolved organics, the third water stream being emitted
from the separation unit; an ozone stream emitted from a mobile
ozone generator and added to the third water stream comprising
dissolved organics to form an ozonated water stream comprising
dissolved organics, the ozonated water stream comprising dissolved
organics being introduced into a mobile ultraviolet irradiation
unit; a fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved
solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms, the
fourth water stream being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation
unit; and a wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the wellbore
servicing fluid is formed using the fourth water stream, the
wellbore servicing fluid being placed in the wellbore.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second ozone stream
emitted from the ozone generator and added to the fourth water
stream substantially free of undissolved solids,
facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first water stream from the
water source has a turbidity >50 NTU.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the third water stream comprising
dissolved organics has a turbidity <50 NTU.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a nephelometer
configured to measure a turbidity of the third water stream
comprising dissolved organics.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a nephelometer
configured to measure a turbidity of the first water stream from
the water source.
7. The system of claim 5, further comprising a controller, wherein
the controller adjusts the current as a function of the turbidity
of the third water stream comprising dissolved organics.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid
comprises a hydraulic fracturing fluid.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a storage vessel
configured to store at least a portion of the fourth water stream
substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable
organics and active microorganisms.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the water source comprises
produced water, flowback water, surface water, well water,
municipal water, or combinations thereof.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a biocide stream
added to the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved
solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms at a
first mass flow rate.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first mass flow rate of the
biocide stream is at least approximately 10% less than an
alternative mass flow rate of an alternative biocide stream that
would be required to achieve a degree of microorganism inactivation
in the first water stream from the water source approximately equal
to that from the fourth water stream substantially free of
undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active
microorganisms after addition of the first mass flow rate of the
biocide stream thereto.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first mass flow rate is at
least approximately 50% less than the alternative mass flow
rate.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the first mass flow rate is at
least approximately 90% less than the alternative mass flow
rate.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the third water stream
comprising dissolved organics comprises a chemical oxygen demand
lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the fourth water stream
substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable
organics and active microorganisms comprises a chemical oxygen
demand at least 50% lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the
water source, and at least 90% of the microorganisms from the water
source and present in the fourth water stream are inactivated.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to commonly owned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, [Attorney Docket No. HES
2010-IP-032554U1] entitled "Method and System for Servicing a
Wellbore," filed on the same date as the present application and
incorporated by reference herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally relates to the treatment of
water used to produce wellbore servicing fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Suitable fluid supplies are sometimes required to prepare
wellbore servicing fluids employed in the performance of various
wellbore servicing operations. However, a fluid supply local to a
wellbore may be abundant but nonetheless unusable due to the
presence of bacteria or other non-beneficial microorganisms,
undesirable organic compositions or combinations thereof in the
fluid supply. For example, water extracted from a wellbore, such as
produced water, surface water, and/or flowback water, may be
unusable for wellbore servicing operations and/or for the
preparation of wellbore servicing fluids due to the presence of
undesirable microorganisms and/or organic compositions.
Accordingly, there is a need for transforming such abundantly
available but unusable fluids into fluids that are usable for
preparing wellbore servicing fluids that may be employed in
wellbore servicing operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore,
comprising transporting a plurality of wellbore servicing equipment
to a well site associated with the wellbore, accessing a water
source to form a water stream from the water source to at least one
of the plurality of wellbore servicing equipment, passing a direct
electrical current through the water stream obtained from the water
source to coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an undissolved
organic phase in the water stream, separating the coalesced
undissolved solid phase and the coalesced undissolved organic phase
from the water stream to yield a substantially single-phase water
stream, adding ozone to the substantially single-phase water stream
to yield an ozonated water stream, irradiating the ozonated water
stream with ultraviolet light to yield an irradiated water stream,
forming a wellbore servicing fluid using the irradiated water
stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the
wellbore.
[0007] Also disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore,
comprising transporting wellbore servicing equipment to a well site
associated with the wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing
equipment comprises a mobile electrocoagulation unit, a mobile
separation unit, a mobile ozone generator and a mobile ultraviolet
light irradiation unit, accessing a water source, introducing a
water stream obtained from the water source into the mobile
electrocoagulation unit, in the electrocoagulation unit, passing a
direct electrical current through the water stream obtained from
the water source to coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an
undissolved organic phase in the water stream to form a coalesced
undissolved solid phase and a coalesced undissolved organic phase,
separating the coalesced undissolved solid phase and the coalesced
undissolved organic phase from the water stream in the mobile
separation unit to yield a substantially single-phase water stream,
introducing ozone produced in the mobile ozone generator into the
substantially single-phase water stream to form an ozonated water
stream, exposing the ozonated water stream to ultraviolet light in
the mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit to yield an
irradiated water stream, forming a wellbore servicing fluid using
the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing
fluid into the wellbore.
[0008] Further disclosed herein is a system for servicing a
wellbore, comprising a water source, a first water stream from the
water source comprising undissolved solids, dissolved organics and
undissolved organics, the first water stream being introduced into
a mobile electrocoagulation unit, a second water stream comprising
coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics and
dissolved organics, the second water stream being emitted from the
electrocoagulation unit and introduced into a mobile separation
unit, a third water stream comprising dissolved organics, the third
water stream being emitted from the separation unit, an ozone
stream emitted from a mobile ozone generator and added to the third
water stream comprising dissolved organics to form an ozonated
water stream comprising dissolved organics, the ozonated water
stream comprising dissolved organics being introduced into a mobile
ultraviolet irradiation unit, a fourth water stream substantially
free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active
microorganisms, the fourth water stream being emitted from the
ultraviolet irradiation unit, and a wellbore servicing fluid,
wherein the wellbore servicing fluid is formed using the fourth
water stream, the wellbore servicing fluid being placed in the
wellbore.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure,
reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic view of a wellbore and
wellbore servicing system according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic view of a wellbore
servicing system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic view of a fluid treatment
system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment
of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] It should be understood at the outset that although
illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are
illustrated below, the disclosed assemblies and methods may be
implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known
or in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the
illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated
below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims
along with their full scope of equivalents.
[0015] In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms
"including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and
thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to .
. . ." Reference to up or down will be made for purposes of
description with "up," "upper," "upward," or "upstream" meaning
toward the surface of the wellbore and with "down," "lower,"
"downward," or "downstream" meaning toward the terminal end of the
well, regardless of the wellbore orientation. The various
characteristics mentioned above, as well as other features and
characteristics described in more detail below, will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art with the aid of this
disclosure upon reading the following detailed description of the
embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.
[0016] Relatively large amounts of water may be needed for the
preparation of wellbore servicing fluids such as fracturing fluids.
Common water sources used for preparing wellbore servicing fluids
include water co-produced in the production of oil and gas,
hereinafter referred to as produced water, surface water, and
municipal water. Water obtained from any such sources may contain
various contaminants such as dissolved and/or entrained organics,
particulate material, microorganisms, or combinations thereof. For
example, produced water may contain dissolved and entrained organic
materials such as oil and gas residing in a subterranean formation
or flowback from wellbore servicing fluids pumped into a wellbore.
As such, produced water may contain paraffins, aromatics, resins,
asphaltenes, or combinations thereof as dissolved components or as
a separate phase. In addition, produced water may contain suspended
particulates. Similarly, for example, surface water, may contain
suspended particulates and/or a separate organic phase.
Furthermore, any of the above-mentioned water sources may include
bacteria and other microorganisms. A fluid that contains oxidizable
organic contaminants such as those discussed above may adversely
affect the intended function of the fluid and/or render the fluid
unusable for use in wellbore servicing operations and/or for use in
producing a wellbore servicing fluid. In addition, as discussed in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,094, which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety, polymer present in gelling agents that are
utilized in fracturing applications may serve as a food source for
any bacteria present in a fracturing fluid or the base water of the
fluid. Therefore, the presence of bacteria in water used to prepare
a fracturing fluid may eventually destroy the gel and negatively
impact the results obtained from a fracturing operation.
[0017] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a wellbore
servicing system 110. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the wellbore
servicing system 110 is deployed at a wellsite 100 and is fluidly
coupled to a wellbore 120. The wellbore 120 penetrates a
subterranean formation 130 for the purpose of recovering
hydrocarbons, storing hydrocarbons, disposing of carbon dioxide, or
the like. The wellbore 120 may be drilled into the subterranean
formation 130 using any suitable drilling technique. In an
embodiment, a drilling or servicing rig may comprise a derrick with
a rig floor through which a pipe string 140 (e.g., a drill string,
segmented tubing, coiled tubing, etc.) may be lowered into the
wellbore 120. A wellbore servicing apparatus 150 configured for one
or more wellbore servicing operations may be integrated within the
pipe string 140. Additional downhole tools may be included with or
integrated within the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 and/or the
pipe string 140, for example, one or more isolation devices (for
example, a packer, such as a swellable or mechanical packer).
[0018] The drilling or servicing rig may be conventional and may
comprise a motor driven winch and other associated equipment for
lowering the pipe string 140 and/or wellbore servicing apparatus
150 into the wellbore 120. Alternatively, a mobile workover rig, a
wellbore servicing unit (e.g., coiled tubing units), or the like
may be used to lower the pipe string 140 and/or wellbore servicing
apparatus 150 into the wellbore 120.
[0019] The wellbore 120 may extend substantially vertically away
from the earth's surface 160 over a vertical wellbore portion, or
may deviate at any angle from the earth's surface 160 over a
deviated or horizontal wellbore portion. Alternatively, portions or
substantially all of the wellbore 120 may be vertical, deviated,
horizontal, and/or curved. In some instances, a portion of the pipe
string 140 may be secured into position within the wellbore 120 in
a conventional manner using cement 170; alternatively, the pipe
string 140 may be partially cemented in wellbore 120;
alternatively, the pipe string 140 may be uncemented in the
wellbore 120. In an embodiment, the pipe string 140 may comprise
two or more concentrically positioned strings of pipe (e.g., a
first pipe string such as jointed pipe or coiled tubing may be
positioned within a second pipe string such as casing cemented
within the wellbore). It is noted that although one or more of the
figures may exemplify a given operating environment, the principles
of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed may be similarly
applicable in other operational environments, such as offshore
and/or subsea wellbore applications.
[0020] In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing system 110 may be
coupled to a wellhead 180 via a conduit 190, and the wellhead 180
may be connected to the pipe string 140. In various embodiments,
the pipe string 140 may comprise a casing string, a liner, a
production tubing, coiled tubing, a drilling string, the like, or
combinations thereof. The pipe string 140 may extend from the
earth's surface 160 downward within the wellbore 120 to a
predetermined or desirable depth, for example, such that the
wellbore servicing apparatus 150 is positioned substantially
proximate to a portion of the subterranean formation 130 to be
serviced (e.g., into which a fracture is to be introduced). Arrows
200 indicate a route of fluid communication from the wellbore
servicing system 110 to the wellhead 180 via conduit 190, from the
wellhead 180 to the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 via pipe
string 140, and from the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 into the
subterranean formation 130. The wellbore servicing apparatus 150
may be configured to perform one or more servicing operations, for
example, fracturing the formation 130, hydrajetting and/or
perforating casing (when present) and/or the formation 130,
expanding or extending a fluid path through or into the
subterranean formation 130, producing hydrocarbons from the
formation 130, or other servicing operation. In an embodiment, the
wellbore servicing apparatus 150 may comprise one or more ports,
apertures, nozzles, jets, windows, or combinations thereof for the
communication of fluid from a flowbore of the pipe string 140 to
the subterranean formation 130. In an embodiment, the wellbore
servicing apparatus 150 comprises a housing comprising a plurality
of housing ports, a sleeve being movable with respect to the
housing, the sleeve comprising a plurality of sleeve ports, the
plurality of housing ports being selectively alignable with the
plurality of sleeve ports to provide a fluid flow path 200 from the
wellbore servicing apparatus 150 to the wellbore 120, the
subterranean formation 130, or combinations thereof. In an
embodiment, the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 may be
configurable for the performance of multiple servicing
operations.
[0021] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the
wellbore servicing system 110. In an embodiment, the wellbore
servicing system generally comprises a fluid treatment system 210,
a water source 220, one or more storage vessels (such as storage
vessels 230, 300, 310, and 320) a blender 240, a wellbore services
manifold trailer 250, and one or more high pressure (HP) pumps 270.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the fluid treatment system 210 obtains
water, either directly or indirectly, from water source 220. Water
from the fluid treatment system 210 is introduced, either directly
or indirectly, into the blender 240 where the water is mixed with
various other components and/or additives to form the wellbore
servicing fluid. The wellbore servicing fluid is introduced into
the wellbore services manifold trailer 250, which is in fluid
communication with the one or more HP pumps, and then introduced
into the conduit 190. As will be described herein, the fluid
communication between two or more components of the wellbore
servicing system 110 and/or the fluid treatment system 210 may be
provided any suitable flowline or conduit. Persons of ordinary
skill in the art with the aid of this disclosure will appreciate
that the flowlines described herein may include various
configurations of piping, tubing, etc. that are fluidly connected,
for example, via flanges, collars, welds, etc. These flowlines may
include various configurations of pipe tees, elbows, and the like.
These flowlines fluidly connect the various wellbore servicing
fluid process equipment described herein.
[0022] In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing system may be
configured for initiating, forming, or extending a fracture into a
hydrocarbon-bearing formation (such as subterranean formation 130
or a portion thereof). In fracturing operations, wellbore servicing
fluids, such as particle (e.g., proppant) laden fluids, are pumped
at a relatively high-pressure into the wellbore 120. The particle
laden fluids may then be introduced into a portion of the
subterranean formation 130 at a pressure and velocity sufficient to
cut and/or abrade a casing and/or initiate, create, or extend
perforation tunnels and/or fractures within the subterranean
formation 130. Proppants (e.g., grains of sand, glass beads,
shells, ceramic particles, etc.,) may be mixed with the wellbore
servicing fluid to keep the fractures open so that hydrocarbons may
be produced from the subterranean formation 130 and flow into the
wellbore 120. Hydraulic fracturing may create high-conductivity
fluid communication between the wellbore 120 and the subterranean
formation 130.
[0023] In an embodiment, the water source 220 may comprise produced
water, flowback water, surface water, a water well, potable water,
municipal water, or combinations there. For example, in an
embodiment the water obtained from the water source 220 may
comprise produced water that has been extracted from the wellbore
120 while producing hydrocarbons from the wellbore 120. As
discussed above, produced water may comprise dissolved and/or
entrained organic materials, salts, minerals, clays, paraffins,
aromatics, resins, asphaltenes, and/or other natural or synthetic
constituents that are displaced from a hydrocarbon formation during
the production of the hydrocarbons or a wellbore servicing
operation. In an embodiment, water obtained from the water source
220 may comprise flowback water, for example, water that has
previously been introduced into the wellbore 120 during a wellbore
servicing operation and subsequently flowed back or returned to the
surface. In addition, the flowback water may comprise hydrocarbons,
gelling agents, friction reducers, surfactants and/or remnants of
wellbore servicing fluids previously introduced into the wellbore
120 during wellbore servicing operations.
[0024] In an embodiment, water obtained from the water source 220
may further comprise local surface water contained in natural
and/or manmade water features (such as ditches, ponds, rivers,
lakes, oceans, etc.). Further, water obtained from the water source
220 may comprise water obtained from water wells or a municipal
source. Still further, water obtained from the water source 220 may
comprise water stored in local or remote containers. Water obtained
from the water source 220 may comprise water that originated from
near the wellbore 120 and/or may be water that has been transported
to an area near the wellbore 120 from any distance. In some
embodiments, water obtained from the water source 220 may comprise
any combination of produced water, flowback water, local surface
water, and/or container stored water.
[0025] In an embodiment, the water from water source 220 may be
temporarily stored in an untreated water storage vessel 230 prior
to being pumped to fluid treatment system 210; alternatively, the
water may be introduced directly from the source into the fluid
treatment system 210. In an embodiment, the fluid treatment system
210, as will be discussed herein below with reference to FIG. 3,
may be configured to treat water obtained from a water source 220
in order to render the water suitable for preparing a wellbore
servicing fluid and/or utilization in a wellbore servicing
operation. In an embodiment, after treatment via the fluid
treatment system 210, the water may introduced via a conduit 332
into an intermediate storage vessel 310 for treated water;
alternatively, the water may be routed to one or more other
components of the wellbore servicing system 110.
[0026] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the water may be introduced
into the blender 240 from the intermediate storage vessel 310 via
flowline 340; alternatively, the water may be introduced into the
blender 240 directly from the fluid treatment system 210. In an
embodiment, the blender 240 may be configured to mix solid and
fluid components to form a well-blended wellbore servicing fluid.
As depicted, sand or proppant from a storage vessel 300, treated
water from intermediate storage vessel 310, and additives from a
storage vessel 320 may be fed into the blender 240 via feedlines
330, 340 and 350, respectively. Alternatively, water treated by
fluid treatment system may be fed directly into blender 240. In
this embodiment, the blender 240 may be an Advanced Dry Polymer
(ADP) blender and the additives may be dry blended and dry fed into
the blender 240. In alternative embodiments, however, additives may
be pre-blended with water, for example, using a GEL PRO blender,
which is a commercially available from Halliburton Energy Services,
Inc., to form a liquid gel concentrate that may be fed into the
blender 240. The mixing conditions of the blender 240, including
time period, agitation method, pressure, and temperature of the
blender 240, may be chosen by one of ordinary skill in the art with
the aid of this disclosure to produce a homogeneous blend having a
desirable composition, density, and viscosity. In alternative
embodiments, however, sand or proppant, water, and additives may be
premixed and/or stored in a storage tank before entering the
wellbore services manifold trailer 250. In the embodiment of FIG.
2, the blender 240 is in fluid communication with a wellbore
services manifold trailer 250 via a flowline 260.
[0027] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the wellbore servicing fluid
may be introduced into the wellbore services manifold trailer from
the blender 240 via flowline 260. As used herein, the term
"wellbore services manifold trailer" may include a truck and/or
trailer comprising one or more manifolds for receiving, organizing,
and/or distributing wellbore servicing fluids during wellbore
servicing operations. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2, the
wellbore services manifold trailer 250 is coupled to eight high
pressure (HP) pumps 270 via outlet flowlines 280 and inlet
flowlines 290. In alternative embodiments, however, there may be
more or fewer HP pumps used in a wellbore servicing operation. The
HP pumps 270 may comprise any suitable type of high pressure pump,
a nonlimiting example of which is a positive displacement pump.
Outlet flowlines 280 are outlet lines from the wellbore services
manifold trailer 250 that supply fluid to the HP pumps 270. Inlet
flowlines 290 are inlet lines from the HP pumps 270 that supply
fluid to the wellbore services manifold trailer 250. In an
embodiment, the HP pumps 270 may be configured to pressurize the
wellbore servicing fluid to a pressure suitable for delivery into
the wellhead 180. For example, the HP pumps 270 may increase the
pressure of the wellbore servicing fluid to a pressure of about
10,000 p.s.i., alternatively, about 15,000 p.s.i., alternatively,
about 20,000 p.s.i. or higher.
[0028] From the HP pumps 270, the wellbore servicing fluid may
reenter the wellbore services manifold trailer 250 via inlet
flowlines 290 and be combined so that the wellbore servicing fluid
may have a total fluid flow rate that exits from the wellbore
services manifold trailer 250 through flowline 190 to the wellbore
120 of between about 1 BPM to about 200 BPM, alternatively from
between about 50 BPM to about 150 BPM, alternatively about 100
BPM.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the fluid treatment
system 210. In an embodiment, water treated in fluid treatment
system 210 may be rendered suitable for use in preparing a wellbore
servicing fluid, for example, a fracturing fluid. In the embodiment
of FIG. 3, the fluid treatment system 210 may generally comprise an
electrocoagulation unit 360, a separation unit 370, an ozone
generator 380, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 390.
[0030] In an embodiment, the electrocoagulation unit 360, the
separation unit 370, the ozone generator 380 and the ultraviolet
irradiation unit 390 may be configured to be mobile and may be
situated on a common structural support, alternatively multiple,
separate structural supports. Examples of a suitable structural
support or supports for these units may include a trailer, truck,
skid, barge or combinations thereof.
[0031] As discussed above, water obtained from the water source 220
may comprise produced water, surface water, municipal water, or
combinations thereof containing various contaminants such as
dissolved and/or entrained organics, particulate material,
microorganisms, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the
fluid treatment system 210 may be configured to substantially
remove undissolved constituents from the water, oxidize dissolved
organic constituents remaining in the water, and/or destroy or
inactivate microorganisms in the water.
[0032] Water that contains various contaminants such as those
mentioned above may adversely affect the intended function of the
fluid and/or render the fluid unusable in wellbore servicing
operations and/or unusable in producing a wellbore servicing fluid.
Thus, the fluid treatment system should be designed to
substantially eliminate or at least substantially reduce, inter
alia, the amount of unoxidized organic contaminants, particulate
material, and/or active microorganisms, in a feed stream such as
water from water source 220.
[0033] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, an untreated water stream 392
may be introduced into the electrocoagulation unit 360 via a
conduit 440. In an embodiment, a first nephelometer 450 may be
situated upstream from the electrocoagulation unit 360. The
electrocoagulation unit 360 may be configured to precipitate and/or
coalesce metallic ions, organic colloids, inorganic colloids,
combinations thereof, or a portion thereof from an untreated water
stream such as untreated stream 392. In an embodiment, the
electrocoagulation unit 360 may comprise a housing, in which one or
more pairs of metallic plate electrodes are mounted in parallel. In
an additional embodiment, the electrocoagulation unit may further
comprise a direct current power source for applying a direct
current voltage across the plate electrodes and a device for
regulating a current density between the pairs of plate electrodes.
The electrodes may be made of a suitable electrically conductive
material. Nonlimiting examples of a suitable electrically
conductive material include iron, aluminum, titanium, graphite,
steel, and alloys or combinations thereof. In addition, the
electrocoagulation unit 360 may further comprise a fluid inlet
through which a fluid may be introduced into the housing and a
fluid outlet through which treated fluid may be expelled. In the
housing, the untreated water stream may be flowed between and past
the pairs of electrodes while exposed to the direct current voltage
across the plate electrodes. Not seeking to be bound by theory,
application of a voltage to the electrodes may cause metal from a
negative electrode of a given electrode pair to ionize and enter
into the untreated water stream flowing through the housing. The
newly formed metal ions may react with contaminants in the fluid,
causing such contaminants or a portion thereof to be precipitated
and/or coalesced from the fluid. The electrocoagulation unit 360
may be sized to treat a suitable volume of fluid (e.g., untreated
water), for example, the electrocoagulation unit may be configured
for the treatment of from about 100 gal/min to 2,000 gal/min,
alternatively, from about 150 gal/min to about 1,000 gal/min. In an
embodiment, more than one electrocoagulation unit may be operated
in parallel and configured to correspondingly increase treatment
flow rates.
[0034] In an embodiment, the turbidity of a stream (e.g., a water
stream) may affect the efficacy of one or more components of the
fluid treatment system 210, for example, the ultraviolet
irradiation unit 390 (as will be discussed herein below in greater
detail). A method to measure water turbidity may be found in EPA
publication, Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, as
Method 180.1, "Determination of Turbidity by Nephelometry." In an
embodiment, an untreated water stream such as untreated water
stream 392 may be characterized as having a first turbidity (e.g.,
as measured by the first nephelometer 450), measured in
nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), of greater than 40 NTU,
alternatively greater than 45 NTU, and alternatively greater than
50 NTU prior to treatment in the electrocoagulation unit 360. As
the untreated water stream 392 passes through the
electrocoagulation unit 360, a direct electrical current may be
passed through the water. Not seeking to be bound by theory, in an
embodiment, passing the direct electrical current through the water
may coalesce a portion of any undissolved solids and undissolved
organics in the untreated water stream. In an embodiment, treatment
of the untreated water stream 392 may yield a water stream
comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved
organics, and dissolved organics 393.
[0035] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the water stream comprising
coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics, and
dissolved organics 393 may be introduced into the separation unit
370 via conduit 460. In an embodiment, the separation unit 370 may
be configured to remove at least a portion of undissolved solids
and undissolved organics coalesced by the electrocoagulation unit
360 from a water stream such as water stream 393. In an embodiment,
the separation unit 370 may comprise one or more suitable filters,
nonlimiting examples of which include a column filter, a membrane
filter, a sand filter, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the
separation unit 370 may comprise any separation device recognized
by one skilled in the art as utilizable for separating undissolved
and/or suspended solids from a liquid. For example, the separation
unit 370 may comprise a centrifuge separator or a hydrocyclone
separator. In an embodiment, the one or more filters may have a
pore size ranging from about 0.01 microns to about 50 microns. The
pore size of the filter(s) may be chosen based on the type and
amounts of the contaminants in the water stream 392, as well as
parameters of the electrocoagulation unit 360. In an embodiment,
the separation unit 370 may be operated at a pressure ranging from
about 20 psi to about 150 psi, alternatively, from about 20 psi to
about 80 psi to facilitate the movement of water stream 393 through
the filters. In an embodiment, a second nephelometer 462 may be
situated downstream from the separation unit 370 and upstream from
an ozone inlet 420 (as will be discussed herein below) to measure
the turbidity of the water exiting the separation unit.
[0036] In an embodiment, treatment of a water stream (e.g., water
stream 393) via the separation unit 370 may remove at least a
portion of undissolved solids and undissolved organics coalesced by
the electrocoagulation unit 360 from the water stream 393 to yield
a substantially single phase water stream 394. For example, the
separation unit 370 may remove approximately 50% to 100% of the
undissolved solids from the water stream 393, and approximately 50%
to 100% of the undissolved organics from the water stream 393. In
addition, the substantially single phase water stream 394 exiting
the separation unit may comprise dissolved organics, as well as
bacteria and other microorganisms that pass through the filters of
the separation unit 370.
[0037] In an embodiment, the substantially single-phase water
stream 394 may be characterized as having a second turbidity of
less than 50 NTU, alternatively less than 45 NTU, alternatively
less than 40 NTU following treatment in the separation unit 370. In
addition, a controller may be in signal communication with one or
more of nephelometers 450 and 462 and may monitor the first
turbidity, the second turbidity or both and adjust the voltage
applied to the electrocoagulation unit 360 as a function of either
or both. For example, if the first turbidity upstream from the
electrocoagulation unit 360 is greater than 50 NTU by a certain
threshold value, then the current may be increased so as to more
effectively coagulate the undissolved solids and organics in the
water stream. In addition, if the second turbidity measured
downstream from the separation unit 370 is greater than or equal to
50 NTU or less than 50 NTU by an amount deemed insufficient for
processes downstream from the separation unit 370, then the current
may be increased. However, if the high second turbidity reading is
deemed by a controller (e.g., the same or a different controller)
as being caused by a clogged or damaged separation element, e.g., a
clogged or damaged filter, in the separation unit 370, then the
second controller may cause the water stream passing through
conduit 460 and into the separation unit 370 to be redirected
through a redundant separation element in the separation unit 370,
so that the clogged or damaged separation element can be replaced
while the fluid treatment system 210 continues to operate.
Similarly, if the first or second or both turbidity readings meet a
desired set point or threshold value (e.g., a turbidity reading of
less than 50 NTU), then the controller may decrease the voltage in
the electrocoagulation unit 360, so as to attain a desired second
turbidity reading with decreased power consumption of the
electrocoagulation unit 360. In an embodiment, the efficiency of
ozone treatment of a fluid and/or ultraviolet irradiation of a
fluid may be improved by prior electrocoagulation, for example, in
electrocoagulation unit 360. Not seeking to be bound by theory,
undissolved particulate matter in a fluid stream may cause light
scattering, thereby decreasing the efficiency of an ozone treatment
and/or ultraviolet irradiation treatment of a fluid.
Electrocoagulation may remove at least a portion of such
undissolved particulate matter, thereby improving the efficiency of
a subsequent ozone treatment and/or ultraviolet irradiation
treatment.
[0038] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the substantially single-phase
water stream 394 may be routed toward a first ozone inlet 420 via
conduit 470 where ozone may be introduced via conduit 480 into the
substantially single-phase water stream 394. The first ozone inlet
420 may allow for the water stream 394 to be combined with a first
ozone stream 472 produced by ozone generator 380.
[0039] In an embodiment, the ozone generator 380 may comprise one
or more units. In an embodiment, an ozone production capacity of an
ozone generator unit may range between about 500 g/h and about
10,000 g/h, an amount of ozone in the exhaust gas may range from
about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight. An example of a
suitable commercial ozone generator having ozone production
capacities within these ranges is available from Pinnacle Ozone
Solutions in Cocoa, Fla.
[0040] In an embodiment, the ozone stream 472 may be introduced
into the substantially single-phase water stream 394 at ozone inlet
420 via any suitable method or device, for example, the ozone
stream 472 may be sparged into the water stream 394 to promote
dissolution of ozone into the water stream 394. Ozone from the
ozone stream 472 may be mixed with the water stream 394 at a ratio
of from about 1 mg O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O to about 100 mg O.sub.3/L
H.sub.2O, alternatively from about 2 mg O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O to about
50 mg O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O, alternatively from about 5 mg O.sub.3/L
H.sub.2O to about 20 mg O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O. In an embodiment,
introduction of the ozone stream 472 into water stream 394 may
yield an ozonated water stream 395. Not seeking to be bound by
theory, the presence of ozone in water stream 395 may oxidize at
least a portion of dissolved organics and microorganisms present in
the ozonated water stream 395.
[0041] In an embodiment, the pH of the one or more streams may be
monitored. For example, in an embodiment the pH of the
substantially single-phase water stream 394 may be monitored prior
to introduction of ozone (e.g., upstream from the ozone inlet 420)
and the pH of ozonated water stream 395 may be monitored after the
introduction of ozone (e.g., downstream from the ozone inlet 420).
In addition, the pH of the substantially single-phase water stream
394 may be compared with the pH of ozonated water stream 395. In
such an embodiment, if the change in pH of the stream before the
introduction of ozone as compared to the pH of the stream is at
least about 0.5 pH units, alternatively, at least about 1.0 pH
unit, alternatively, at least about 1.5 pH units, the pH of the
stream may be adjusted (e.g., via the introduction of various basic
and/or acidic compositions, as may be appreciated by one of skill
in the art with the aid of this disclosure).
[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first ozonated water stream
395 may be introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390. In
an embodiment, the ozonated water stream 395 may be directed
through a suitable fluid mixer 490 prior to introduction into the
ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 to further promote dissolution
and/or dissipation of ozone in the first ozonated water stream 395
and reaction of the ozone with residual contaminants in the first
ozonated water stream 395. The fluid mixer 490 may induce turbulent
mixing of the ozonated water stream 395. Nonlimiting examples of a
suitable fluid mixer include a so-called "plate mixer" or other
suitable static in-line mixer configurations.
[0043] The ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may be configured to
expose a water stream or a portion thereof to ultraviolet
radiation. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390
may comprise one or more ultraviolet lamps that may emit
ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of about 180 nm to about 280
nm, alternatively about 240 nm to about 280 nm, alternatively about
254 nm. In an embodiment, such an ultraviolet lamp may be capable
of emitting ultraviolet light at a dosage of at least about 200
.mu.Ws/cm.sup.2, alternatively at least about 400 .mu.Ws/cm.sup.2,
alternatively at least about 1,500 .mu.Ws/cm.sup.2.
[0044] In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may
comprise one or more irradiation chambers with each irradiation
chamber comprising a set of one or more ultraviolet lamps that may
emit ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of about 180 nm to about
280 nm, alternatively about 240 nm to about 280 nm, alternatively
about 254 nm. In such an embodiment, the ozone stream 472 may be
partitioned to inject ozone into the water stream immediately
upstream of each irradiation chamber. In such an embodiment, one or
more fluid mixers may be placed in the ozonated water streams
downstream from each ozone injection point, for example, to induce
turbulent mixing of the ozonated water stream.
[0045] In an embodiment, the ozonated water stream 395 is flowed
through the ultraviolet irradiation unit. Not seeking to be bound
by theory, treatment with ozone and ultraviolet radiation may act
synergistically to increase the oxidative effect of the ozone
present in the ozonated water stream 395. For example, treatment
with ozone and ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet
irradiation unit 390 may increase the oxidative effect of the ozone
by a factor of approximately 100, not intending to be bound by
theory, by increasing the concentration of hydroxyl radicals in the
water. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation may kill,
sterilize and/or inactivate microorganisms present in the ozonated
water stream 395. In an embodiment, treatment with ozone and
ultraviolet radiation in the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may
yield a water stream substantially free of undissolved solids,
easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms 396,
alternatively, a substantially undissolved solids-free,
substantially organics-free, substantially active
microorganism-free water stream, alternatively, a water stream that
is substantially non-reactive with respect to oxidizing species.
Ultraviolet irradiation units, for example, as may be employed in
hydrocarbon industry servicing fluids, are described in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,332,094 issued to Abney, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,678,744
issued to Abney, et. al., the relevant disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0046] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the water stream substantially
free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active
microorganisms 396 may be directed toward a second ozone inlet 430
via conduit 500 where ozone may be introduced via second ozone
conduit 510. The second ozone inlet 430 may allow the water stream
396 to be combined with a second ozone stream 502, which may be
produced by the ozone generator 380, alternatively, a second ozone
generator like ozone generator 380.
[0047] In an embodiment, introduction of the second ozone stream
502 into the water stream substantially free of undissolved solids,
easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms 396 via any
suitable method or device, for example, the second ozone stream 502
may be sparged into water stream 396 to promote dissolution and/or
dissipation of ozone into the water stream 394. Ozone from the
second ozone stream 502 may be mixed with the water stream 396
about 1 mg O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O to about 100 mg O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O,
alternatively from about 2 mg O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O to about 50 mg
O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O, alternatively from about 5 mg O.sub.3/L
H.sub.2O to about 20 mg O.sub.3/L H.sub.2O. In an embodiment,
introduction of the second ozone stream 502 into the water stream
substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable
organics and active microorganisms 396 may yield a second ozonated
water stream 397.
[0048] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second ozonated water
stream 397 may be directed through a suitable fluid mixer 520 to
further promote dissolution of ozone in the water of water stream
397 and reaction of the ozone with residual contaminants in the
water stream 397. Not seeking to be bound by theory, the additional
ozone provided to water stream 396 by second ozone stream 502 may
serve to reduce the amount of residual organics and residual active
microorganisms in water stream 397. In an embodiment, a filter
and/or filtration system may be used to remove residual undissolved
microorganisms or other undissolved residual materials from
discharge from the fluid treatment system 210. A treated water
stream 397 is discharged from fluid treatment system 210.
[0049] One measure of an effectiveness of a fluid treatment system
like fluid treatment system 210 may be a reduction in a chemical
oxygen demand (COD) of a fluid treated by system 210. As used
herein, COD refers to the amount of organic pollutants found in
water. Not seeking to be bound by theory, because nearly all
organic compounds can be fully oxidized to carbon dioxide with a
strong oxidizing agent under acidic conditions, the capacity of an
aqueous solution to consume oxygen by oxidation of dissolved
organic and inorganic components may be employed as a measure of
water quality.
[0050] In an embodiment, wellbore servicing fluids, such as
fracturing fluids, may comprise a gelling agent, for example, to
increase the viscosity of the fluid to facilitate proppant
transport. When the proppant has been placed (e.g., within the
wellbore), a breaker may be contacted with the fluid to reduce its
viscosity, for example, by a reaction between the gelling agent
with the breaker. Nonlimiting examples of such breakers include
oxidizing agents such as sodium peroxydisulfate and sodium
chlorite. Not intending to be bound by theory, the presence of
readily-oxidizable components in water, for example, as may be
measured by the COD, may adversely and significantly affect the
performance of such oxidizing breakers. In addition, some biocides
may be oxidizing agents. For example, sodium hypochlorite is a
commonly used biocide that functions as an oxidizing agent. Not
intending to be bound by theory, the presence of readily-oxidizable
components may likewise significantly affect the effectiveness of
such oxidizing biocides or render such oxidizing biocides
completely ineffective.
[0051] In an embodiment, water resulting from treatment in a fluid
treatment system (e.g., treated stream 397) such as fluid treatment
system 210 may be characterized as having a COD reduced by at least
30%, alternatively, at least 40%, alternatively at least 50% as
compared to an untreated but otherwise similar water stream (e.g.,
stream 392). In an embodiment, water resulting from treatment in a
fluid treatment system (e.g., treated stream 397) such as fluid
treatment system 210 may further be characterized as having an
active microorganism count reduced by at least 85%, alternatively
at least 90%, alternatively at least 95% as compared to an
untreated but otherwise similar water stream (e.g., stream 392). In
an embodiment, water having a reduced COD, for example, as may
result from treatment in a fluid treatment system such as fluid
treatment system 210, may improve the performance of oxidizing
agents such as oxidizing breakers and/or oxidizing biocides. In an
embodiment, the COD may be monitored to prevent overtreatment with
ozone. For example, overtreatment with ozone may result in ozone
and/or a by-product thereof (e.g., oxygen) which may adversely
affect the subsequent wellbore servicing fluid (e.g., may change
the effectiveness of the gel breakers).
[0052] In an embodiment, a first amount of biocide may be added to
the second ozonated water stream 397 in order to reduce the count
of active microorganisms in water stream 397 even further. In an
embodiment, the amount of biocide added may be at least
approximately 50% less, alternatively, at least approximately 70%
less, or alternatively, at least approximately 90% less than the
amount of biocide that would be required to achieve an equivalent
reduction in the active microorganism count in an untreated but
otherwise similar water stream (e.g., untreated water stream
392).
[0053] The second ozonated water stream 397, which is emitted from
the fluid treatment system 210, may be employed in preparing a
wellbore servicing fluid, as described above with reference to FIG.
2. In various embodiments, the water stream may be mixed with one
or more suitable proppants and/or additives. Nonlimiting examples
of suitable proppants include resin coated or uncoated sand,
sintered bauxite, ceramic materials, glass beads, shells, hulls,
plastics, or combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of suitable
additives include polymers, crosslinkers, friction reducers,
defoamers, foaming surfactants, fluid loss agents, weighting
materials, latex emulsions, dispersants, vitrified shale and other
fillers such as silica flour, sand and slag, formation conditioning
agents, hollow glass or ceramic beads, elastomers, carbon fibers,
glass fibers, metal fibers, minerals fibers, of combinations
thereof. One of skill in the art will appreciate that various
proppants and/or additives may be added alone or in combination and
in various amounts to achieve various wellbore servicing fluids
(for example, a fracturing fluid, a hydrajetting or perforating
fluid, a drilling fluid, a fluid loss fluid, a sealant composition,
etc).
[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, a method 600 for servicing a wellbore
is described. At block 610, a plurality of wellbore servicing
equipment is transported to a well site 100 associated with the
wellbore 120. At block 620, a water source 220 is accessed to form
a water stream (e.g., stream 392) from the water source 220 to at
least one of the plurality of wellbore servicing equipment. At
block 630, a direct electrical current is passed through the water
stream obtained from the water source 220 to coalesce an
undissolved solid phase and an undissolved organic phase in the
water stream. At block 640, the coalesced undissolved solid phase
and the coalesced undissolved organic phase are separated from the
water stream to yield a substantially single-phase, substantially
undissolved solids-free, substantially undissolved organics-free
water stream. At block 650, ozone is added to the substantially
single-phase, substantially undissolved solids-free, substantially
undissolved organics-free water stream to yield an ozonated water
stream. At block 660, the ozonated water stream is irradiated with
ultraviolet light to yield a substantially organics-free,
substantially microorganism-free water stream, or at least a water
stream substantially free of easily oxidizable organics and active
microorganisms. At block 670, a proppant, a servicing additive, a
viscosifying agent or combinations thereof may be added to the
substantially organics-free, substantially microorganism-free water
stream to form a well bore servicing fluid. At block 680, the
wellbore servicing fluid is placed into the wellbore 120.
[0055] In alternative embodiments, one or more components,
embodiments, systems, or methods may be combined and/or substituted
with like or equivalent components, embodiments, systems, or
methods as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/722,410 by
Rory D. Daussin, et al., filed Mar. 11, 2010 and entitled "System
and Method for Fluid Treatment" and U.S. application Ser. No.
12/774,393 by Wesley John Warren, filed May 5, 2010 and entitled
"System and Method for Fluid Treatment," each of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0056] The following are nonlimiting, specific embodiments in
accordance with the present disclosure:
Embodiment A
[0057] A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising:
[0058] transporting a plurality of wellbore servicing equipment to
a well site associated with the wellbore;
[0059] accessing a water source to form a water stream from the
water source to at least one of the plurality of wellbore servicing
equipment;
[0060] passing a direct electrical current through the water stream
obtained from the water source to coalesce an undissolved solid
phase and an undissolved organic phase in the water stream;
[0061] separating the coalesced undissolved solid phase and the
coalesced undissolved organic phase from the water stream to yield
a substantially single-phase water stream;
[0062] adding ozone to the substantially single-phase water stream
to yield an ozonated water stream;
[0063] irradiating the ozonated water stream with ultraviolet light
to yield an irradiated water stream;
[0064] forming a wellbore servicing fluid using the irradiated
water stream; and
placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.
Embodiment B
[0065] The method of embodiment A, further comprising adding
additional ozone to the irradiated water stream prior to forming
the wellbore servicing fluid.
Embodiment C
[0066] The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the water
stream obtained from the water source has a turbidity >50
NTU.
Embodiment D
[0067] The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the
substantially single-phase water stream has a turbidity <50
NTU.
Embodiment E
[0068] The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising
measuring a turbidity of the substantially single-phase water
stream.
Embodiment F
[0069] The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising
measuring a turbidity of the water stream obtained from the water
source.
Embodiment G
[0070] The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising
adjusting the current as a function of the turbidity of the
substantially single-phase water stream.
Embodiment H
[0071] The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the wellbore
servicing fluid comprises a hydraulic fracturing fluid.
Embodiment I
[0072] The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising
storing at least a portion of the irradiated water stream in a
storage vessel proximate the wellbore and subsequently forming the
wellbore servicing fluid.
Embodiment J
[0073] The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the water
source comprises produced water, flowback water, surface water,
well water, municipal water, or combinations thereof.
Embodiment K
[0074] The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising
removing a portion of the wellbore servicing fluid from the
wellbore.
Embodiment L
[0075] The method of embodiment K, further comprising adding the
portion of the wellbore servicing fluid removed from the wellbore
to the water stream obtained from the water source prior to passing
the direct electrical current therethrough.
Embodiment M
[0076] The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising
adding a first amount of biocide to the irradiated water
stream.
Embodiment N
[0077] The method of embodiment M, wherein the first amount of
biocide is at least approximately 10% less than an alternative
amount of biocide that would be required to achieve a degree of
microorganism inactivation from the water stream obtained from the
water source approximately equal to that from the irradiated water
stream after addition of the first amount of biocide thereto.
Embodiment O
[0078] The method of embodiment N, wherein the first amount of
biocide is at least approximately 50% less than the alternative
amount of biocide.
Embodiment P
[0079] The method of embodiment N or O, wherein the first amount of
biocide is at least approximately 90% less than the alternative
amount of biocide.
Embodiment Q
[0080] The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising
removing the wellbore servicing equipment from the well site.
Embodiment R
[0081] The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the
irradiated water stream comprises a chemical oxygen demand lower
than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source.
Embodiment S
[0082] The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the
irradiated water stream comprises a chemical oxygen demand at least
50% lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source, and at
least 90% of the microorganisms from the water source and present
in the irradiated water stream are inactivated.
Embodiment T
[0083] A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising:
[0084] transporting wellbore servicing equipment to a well site
associated with the wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing
equipment comprises a mobile electrocoagulation unit, a mobile
separation unit, a mobile ozone generator and a mobile ultraviolet
light irradiation unit;
[0085] accessing a water source;
[0086] introducing a water stream obtained from the water source
into the mobile electrocoagulation unit;
[0087] in the electrocoagulation unit, passing a direct electrical
current through the water stream obtained from the water source to
coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an undissolved organic
phase in the water stream to form a coalesced undissolved solid
phase and a coalesced undissolved organic phase;
[0088] separating the coalesced undissolved solid phase and the
coalesced undissolved organic phase from the water stream in the
mobile separation unit to yield a substantially single-phase water
stream;
[0089] introducing ozone produced in the mobile ozone generator
into the substantially single-phase water stream to form an
ozonated water stream;
[0090] exposing the ozonated water stream to ultraviolet light in
the mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit to yield an
irradiated water stream;
[0091] forming a wellbore servicing fluid using the irradiated
water stream; and
[0092] placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.
Embodiment U
[0093] The method of embodiment T, wherein the mobile ozone
generator and the mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit are
situated on a common structural support.
Embodiment V
[0094] The method of embodiment T, wherein the mobile ozone
generator and the mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit are
situated on separate structural supports.
Embodiment W
[0095] The method of embodiment U, wherein the structural support
comprises a trailer, a truck, a skid, a barge or combinations
thereof.
Embodiment X
[0096] The method of embodiment V, wherein each of the separate
structural supports comprises a trailer, a truck, a skid, a barge
or combinations thereof.
Embodiment AA
[0097] A system for servicing a wellbore, comprising:
[0098] a water source;
[0099] a first water stream from the water source comprising
undissolved solids, dissolved organics and undissolved organics,
the first water stream being introduced into a mobile
electrocoagulation unit;
[0100] a second water stream comprising coalesced undissolved
solids, coalesced undissolved organics and dissolved organics, the
second water stream being emitted from the electrocoagulation unit
and introduced into a mobile separation unit;
[0101] a third water stream comprising dissolved organics, the
third water stream being emitted from the separation unit;
[0102] an ozone stream emitted from a mobile ozone generator and
added to the third water stream comprising dissolved organics to
form an ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics, the
ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics being
introduced into a mobile ultraviolet irradiation unit;
[0103] a fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved
solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms, the
fourth water stream being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation
unit; and
[0104] a wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the wellbore servicing
fluid is formed using the fourth water stream, the wellbore
servicing fluid being placed in the wellbore.
Embodiment BB
[0105] The system of embodiment AA, further comprising a second
ozone stream emitted from the ozone generator and added to the
fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids,
facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms.
Embodiment CC
[0106] The system of any of embodiments AA and BB, wherein the
first water stream from the water source has a turbidity >50
NTU.
Embodiment DD
[0107] The system of any of embodiments AA to CC, wherein the third
water stream comprising dissolved organics has a turbidity <50
NTU.
Embodiment EE
[0108] The system of any of embodiments AA to DD, further
comprising a nephelometer configured to measure a turbidity of the
third water stream comprising dissolved organics.
Embodiment FF
[0109] The system of any of embodiments AA to EE, further
comprising a nephelometer configured to measure a turbidity of the
first water stream from the water source.
Embodiment GG
[0110] The system of any of embodiments AA to FF, further
comprising a controller, wherein the controller adjusts the current
as a function of a or the turbidity of the third water stream
comprising dissolved organics.
Embodiment HH
[0111] The system of any of embodiments AA to GG, wherein the
wellbore servicing fluid comprises a hydraulic fracturing
fluid.
Embodiment II
[0112] The system of any of embodiments AA to HH, further
comprising a storage vessel configured to store at least a portion
of the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved
solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms.
Embodiment JJ
[0113] The system of any of embodiments AA to II, wherein the water
source comprises produced water, flowback water, surface water,
well water, municipal water, or combinations thereof.
Embodiment KK
[0114] The system of any of embodiments AA to JJ, further
comprising a biocide stream added to the fourth water stream
substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable
organics and active microorganisms at a first mass flow rate.
Embodiment LL
[0115] The system of embodiment KK, wherein the first mass flow
rate of the biocide stream is at least approximately 10% less than
an alternative mass flow rate of an alternative biocide stream that
would be required to achieve a degree of microorganism inactivation
in the first water stream from the water source approximately equal
to that from the fourth water stream substantially free of
undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active
microorganisms after addition of the first mass flow rate of the
biocide stream thereto.
Embodiment MM
[0116] The system of embodiment LL, wherein the first mass flow
rate is at least approximately 50% less than the alternative mass
flow rate.
Embodiment NN
[0117] The system of embodiment LL or MM, wherein the first mass
flow rate is at least approximately 90% less than the alternative
mass flow rate.
Embodiment OO
[0118] The system of any of embodiments AA to NN, wherein the third
water stream comprising dissolved organics comprises a chemical
oxygen demand lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water
source.
Embodiment PP
[0119] The system of any of embodiments AA to OO, wherein the
fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids,
facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms comprises a
chemical oxygen demand at least 50% lower than a chemical oxygen
demand of the water source, and at least 90% of the microorganisms
from the water source and present in the fourth water stream are
inactivated.
[0120] While embodiments of the invention have been shown and
described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the
invention. For example, a portion of the wellbore servicing fluid
placed in the wellbore 120 may be recycled, i.e., mixed with the
water stream obtained from the water source 220 and treated in
fluid treatment system 210. The embodiments described herein are
exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many
variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are
possible and are within the scope of the invention. Where numerical
ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or
limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or
limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated
ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2,
3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For
example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, R.sub.L,
and an upper limit, R.sub.U, is disclosed, any number falling
within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the
following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed:
R=R.sub.L+k*(R.sub.U-R.sub.L), wherein k is a variable ranging from
1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1
percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50
percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97
percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any
numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is
also specifically disclosed. Use of the term "optionally" with
respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the
subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required.
Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the claim.
Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc.
should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as
consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised substantially
of, etc.
[0121] Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the
description set out above but is only limited by the claims which
follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter
of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the
specification as an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the
claims are a further description and are an addition to the
embodiments of the present invention. The discussion of a reference
in the Detailed Description of the Embodiments is not an admission
that it is prior art to the present invention, especially any
reference that may have a publication date after the priority date
of this application. The disclosures of all patents, patent
applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated
by reference, to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural
or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.
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