U.S. patent application number 16/728656 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-30 for treatment of produced water from a subterranean formation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Noles Intellectual Properties, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Noles Intellectual Properties, LLC. Invention is credited to Jerry W. Noles.
Application Number | 20200131048 16/728656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62709320 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200131048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noles; Jerry W. |
April 30, 2020 |
Treatment of Produced Water From A Subterranean Formation
Abstract
Systems for water treatment may include an evaporation unit,
wherein the evaporation unit comprises: a first blower; a spacer,
wherein the spacer may be fluidly coupled to the first blower; a
diffuser fluidly coupled to the spacer, at least one arm fluidly
coupled to and disposed radially around the diffuser. The at least
one arm is configured to rotate to create a negative pressure as to
allow the air mass to be drafted out into the contaminated
water.
Inventors: |
Noles; Jerry W.; (Blanchard,
OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Noles Intellectual Properties, LLC |
Washington |
OK |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Noles Intellectual Properties,
LLC
Washington
OK
|
Family ID: |
62709320 |
Appl. No.: |
16/728656 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15394627 |
Dec 29, 2016 |
10519044 |
|
|
16728656 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 5/0206 20130101;
C02F 1/04 20130101; C02F 1/12 20130101; B01D 1/18 20130101; B01D
1/16 20130101; C02F 1/10 20130101; B01F 3/04248 20130101; C02F
1/043 20130101; C02F 1/048 20130101; B01D 1/14 20130101; B01F
2003/04872 20130101; B01D 3/346 20130101; B01F 2003/04319
20130101 |
International
Class: |
C02F 1/04 20060101
C02F001/04; B01D 1/16 20060101 B01D001/16; B01F 3/04 20060101
B01F003/04; B01D 1/14 20060101 B01D001/14; B01D 1/18 20060101
B01D001/18; C02F 1/12 20060101 C02F001/12; B01F 5/02 20060101
B01F005/02; B01D 3/34 20060101 B01D003/34 |
Claims
1. A system for aerating, evaporating, and treating contaminated
water comprising: at least one evaporation unit, wherein the at
least one evaporation unit comprises: a first blower configured to
suction an air mass proximate the contaminated water; and a spacer
fluidly coupled to the first blower; a diffuser fluidly coupled to
the spacer; and, at least one arm fluidly coupled to and disposed
radially around the diffuser, wherein the at least one arm is
hollow and is configured to allow the air mass to pass through the
at least one arm; wherein the at least one arm is configured to
rotate to create a negative pressure as to allow the air mass to be
drafted out into the contaminated water.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm has a
plurality of apertures.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of
apertures has a diameter about 1 inch to about 2 inches.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of
apertures provides an air flow at an angle relative to a central
axis of the at least one arm.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the angle is about 10.degree. to
about 90.degree..
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the angle is about 40.degree. to
about 50.degree..
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the angle is about
45.degree..
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a venturi fluidly
coupled to a distal end of the at least one arm.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a screen fluidly
coupled to a distal end of the at least one arm.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein a mesh size of the screen is
about 20 to about 100 mesh.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of hollow
tubes fluidly coupled to the at least one arm.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of hollow
tubes is coupled to a body of the at least one arm at an angle
relative to a central axis of the at least one arm.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the angle is about 10.degree.
to about 90.degree..
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the angle is about 40.degree.
to about 50.degree..
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the angle is about
45.degree..
16. The system of claim 11, wherein a length of each of the
plurality of hollow tubes is about 8 inches to about 12 inches.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein an inner diameter of each of
the plurality of hollow tubes is about 1 inch to about 4
inches.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein a length of each of the at least
one arm is about 12 inches to about 96 inches.
19. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one drying
tunnel, wherein the at least one drying tunnel comprises: a second
blower, wherein the second blower is fluidly coupled to an end of
the at least one drying tunnel; a heater coupled the at least one
drying tunnel; at least one nozzle configured to be a coupled to
the contaminated body of water, the at least one nozzle disposed
between the heater and the second blower; and, a chamber configured
to collect solids.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one drying tunnel
is positioned at an angle from about 30.degree. to about 90.degree.
relative to horizontal.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/394,627, filed Dec. 29, 2016, issuing as
U.S. Pat. No. 10,519,044 on Dec. 31, 2019; which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Within recent years, the oil and gas industry has developed
the use of hydraulic fracturing to produce what was once considered
nonproductive oil and gas formations. This hydraulic fracturing
technology may require the use of high volumes of water to be
pumped into subterranean wells under tremendous rates and pressures
to pry rock apart, thereby allowing the oil and gas that is trapped
within the matrix of the oil and gas formations to migrate to the
wellbore and production casing. Although the use of this technology
may have allowed high volumes of oil and gas recovery from the oil
and gas formations, the use of these large volumes of water has
been widely scrutinized. Because the water that may be used during
these fracturing operations is preferably clean and free from
contaminants, current technologies may use fresh water sources that
may normally be used for irrigation and human consumption. The use
of these fresh water supplies may have an impact on the
availability of fresh water for human consumption and
irrigation.
[0003] Although the water that may be pumped into the oil and gas
formations may be recovered over the production life of the oil and
gas well, the water may become contaminated with chemicals from the
fracturing process and minerals that are leached from the producing
reservoir during the production of the well. Many oil and gas
reservoirs may have been created from decomposed organic matter
generated from oceanic sea beds. Fresh water may mix with the salt
water that may typically be produced from the hydrocarbon
formations making both the frac water and the formation water
unsuitable for human consumption or reuse for hydraulic fracturing.
This water that may be produced or that flows back from the well
may then be disposed of by pumping it into deep nonproductive oil
and gas formations. This cycle may be repeated for each well and
may use hundreds of thousands of barrels for each operation.
[0004] Recently, this disposal process has come under scrutiny due
to increased seismic activity that has occurred in conjunction with
the pumping of the water into these subterranean reservoirs. It is
for this reason that the industry has an increased need to find a
way to reduce the amount of water that may be disposed of in these
underground formations. The volume of water and the high level of
the Total Dissolved Solids ("TDS") may make it difficult to filter
using a Reverse Osmosis unit for surface discharge purposes. In the
past, distillation systems may have been used to evaporate and
condense the water for discharge purposes. However, the cost for
the energy or BTUs to distill the water proved to often be
uneconomical to use on a large scale basis.
[0005] In another instance, evaporation processes may have been
used to eliminate the water and recover the solids contained in the
water. These systems may spray large volumes of water into the air
using blowers and misting systems to evaporate the water. The
solids may then fall into collection or evaporation pits. This
process may be problematic due to wind causing the solids or salt
to be blown outside of the evaporation pits or collection areas.
This may then be compensated by the use of wind walls to prevent
the drifting of the sprayed/misted water. These wind walls may
generate static areas of high humidity air masses, thereby reducing
the efficiencies of the evaporation process. In the past, this may
have been compensated for by setting up wind sensors that would
turn blowers on and off on different sides of the evaporation pits
to compensate for wind direction.
[0006] In another instance, an enclosure may be placed over the
entire evaporation pit to prevent drift caused by the wind. In this
case, the enclosure may be ventilated to continuously move air into
and out of the enclosure to avoid saturation of the air mass.
[0007] Therefore, there may exist a need for a system to evaporate
and/or reduce the volumes of water that are being disposed of
without the issues of containment that are generated by blowing
high solids water into the atmosphere, and allowing them to fall
into collection or evaporation pits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the
embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be used to
limit or define the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a chart showing volumetric air
requirements for evaporation based on the temperature of the air
mass.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an evaporation unit in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of evaporation units in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a diffuser in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an arm with a plurality of apertures in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an arm comprising a plurality of hollow
tubes in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an arm comprising a venturi in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an arm comprising a screen in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a drying tunnel in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a drying tunnel positioned on a vehicle
trailer in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates a plurality of drying tunnels positioned
on vehicle trailers in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an
evaporation unit without a diffuser positioned in a water storage
pit in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a plurality
of evaporation units without diffusers positioned in a water
storage pit in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of an evaporation
unit without a diffuser positioned completely in a storage tank in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a plurality
of evaporation units without diffusers positioned completely in a
storage tank in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of an evaporation
unit with a blower positioned on top of a storage tank in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a plurality
of evaporation units with blowers positioned on top of a storage
tank in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of an evaporation
unit positioned completely inside a storage tank in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 19 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a plurality
of evaporation units positioned completely inside a storage tank in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of an evaporation
unit with a blower positioned on top of a storage tank in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a plurality
of evaporation units with blowers positioned on top of a storage
tank in accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Water may exist naturally in subterranean formations and may
be produced in conjunction with hydrocarbons from the subterranean
formations. Water may also be injected into a subterranean
formation to stimulate hydrocarbon production (e.g., hydraulic
fracturing or fracking). When the water is produced from the
subterranean formations, it may comprise amounts of dissolved salts
and other substances which may make it unsuitable for agriculture
and human consumption.
[0031] The present disclosure may generally relate to the treatment
of contaminated water (e.g. salt water/brine), and more
specifically to the evaporation of water produced from a
subterranean formation. Embodiments of the present disclosure may
include mechanical agitation with submerged aeration to saturate an
air mass, thereby accelerating the evaporation process, without
generating the environmental concerns of high total TDS fluids
being carried outside of the evaporation zone. Brine may comprise a
brine solution comprising at least 10 wt % NaCl. In some
embodiments, brine may comprise a brine solution comprising about
10 wt % NaCl to about 25 wt % NaCl. In other embodiments, brine may
comprise a brine solution comprising more than 25 wt % NaCl. Other
ranges may include ranges above what may be considered
dischargeable to surface ground waters. As the water becomes
concentrated and saturated with salts, the heavier water may be
pulled off and then injected into subterranean disposal wells at
significantly lower volumes then normal, thereby reducing the
subsurface pressurization and aiding in prevention of seismic
occurrences.
[0032] By allowing air to be mixed and released below the water
surface, the air mass may become saturated before it breaks the
surface of the water. Systems, methods and devices of the present
disclosure may substantially improve the evaporation efficiency of
the water by allowing the air mass temperature to rise to the
temperature of the water contained in a pit that the air mass is in
contact with, which may be above the temperature of the air mass
above the pit. This may be important during winter months where the
air mass temperatures within certain regions may be below
30.degree. F. Systems, methods and devices of the present
disclosure may also allow for high rates of oxygen transfer due to
the high volumes of air (e.g., 100,000 cubic feet of air per
minute) that may be moved. By increasing the air that may be in
contact with the water, the amount of dissolved oxygen may be
increased. Standard aeration systems may use as much as 1,500
horsepower to move 5,000 cubic feet of air per minute. Of this
5,000 cfm, only a small percentage of the air mass may go into
solution in the form of dissolved oxygen. This may typically be
around 2% of the oxygen that is within the air mass, which may
render the system 98% inefficient. To overcome these
inefficiencies, higher volumes of air may need to be moved at lower
horsepower ("HP"). In comparison, a 50 HP axial fan may move
100,000 cubic feet per minute ("cfm"), thereby increasing the
amount of dissolved oxygen per horsepower by more than 30 times. In
the past, aeration systems have relied on moving air (e.g., an air
mass) into water in order to infuse oxygen into the water or
setting up blowers that would feed headers, and the headers would
then feed control lines that went into the water at various depths
to feed diffusers or other mechanisms to distribute the air into
the water. Systems, methods and devices of the present disclosure
may eliminate the need for headers or control lines to distribute
the air into the water.
[0033] In certain embodiments, flow back and/or produced water may
be pumped or hauled into a storage pit or storage reservoir via
trucks or other gathering systems. Blowers may be placed into the
pit and spaced based on volumetric requirements for evaporation or
for aeration purposes.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a chart showing volumetric air
requirements for evaporation based on the temperature of the air
mass. It should be noted that the number of pounds of water that
may be evaporated per 1,000 cubic feet of air may be highly
dependent on the initial relative humidity of the air mass and the
temperature of the air. This relative humidity may fluctuate during
the course of the day. Therefore, systems, methods and devices of
the present disclosure may include programs configured to turn on
systems and devices of the present disclosure during low relative
humidity times of about 30% to about 70%, thereby lowering the cost
of energy and improving the efficiencies of a vapor transfer. For
example, if the number of pounds of water per 1,000 cubic feet of
air is 1, and the relative humidity is 70%, then the pounds of
water that the 1,000 cubic feet may be capable of absorbing before
becoming saturated or reaching 100% relative humidity may be 0.30
or 30% of the 1 pound per thousand cubic feet. Therefore, a blower
that may move 10,000 cubic feet per minute may be capable of
evaporating about 3 pounds of water per minute at an initial air
mass relative humidity of 70%. However, at an initial relative
humidity of 30%, about 7 pounds of water per minute may be
evaporated. Based on this calculation, the average annual relative
humidity may be used to calculate the number of evaporation devices
and the size of the evaporation devices to achieve a certain volume
of evaporation per day. The moisture holding capacity of air may be
1 lb of water per 1,000 cubic feet of dry air. The moisture holding
capacity of air at 100.degree. F. may be about 10 times the
moisture holding capacity of air at 30.degree. F. This may be an
important observation, especially when working in areas where air
temperatures may be low during certain times of the year.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an evaporation unit 100. Evaporation unit
100 may include blower 104, spacer 106, and diffuser 108.
Evaporation unit 100 may be positioned within a body of water 101
of storage pit 102 for water (e.g., produced water which may
include brine). The spacer 106 and diffuser 108 may be submerged
(completely or partially) in the body of water 101. Blower 104 may
be above the water surface 110. The body of water 101 may be
received and stored in storage pit 102 from a subterranean
formation. In embodiments, evaporation unit 100 may be electrically
powered and may be placed at a depth below the water surface 110.
This may range from about 4 inches below the water surface 110 to
about 30 feet, relative to water surface 110. Evaporation unit 100
may also be powered by any other suitable source. Evaporation unit
100 may have a weight from about 200 lbs to about 1,000 lbs.
Evaporation unit 100 may be suitable for gas-liquid reactions at
temperatures below about 160.degree. F. and pressures below about
30 psi. Evaporation unit 100 may biologically degrade organic
substances and may further oxidize organic substances. Evaporation
unit 100 may also provide aeration with any suitable gas, such as,
for example, air, pure oxygen, ozone, CO.sub.2, and the like.
Placement/removal of evaporation unit 100 into/from storage pit 102
may be accomplished with a crane or any other suitable device. For
example, a crane may lift/remove evaporation unit 100 from storage
pit 102 (e.g., for maintenance, completion of evaporation process)
and may place evaporation unit 100 into storage pit 102.
[0036] Blower 104 may include a high volume blower that may be
placed above the water surface 110. Blower 104 may move over
100,000 cubic feet of air per minute. In certain embodiments,
blower 104 may move about 10,000 cubic feet of air per minute to
about 500,000 cubic feet of air per minute. Or multiple blowers 104
may be incorporated to move higher volumes. Blower 104 may be
fluidly coupled to spacer 106. The inner diameter of blower 104 may
be about 12 inches to about 96 inches. Blower 104 may be
electrically powered and may include a motor rated from about 7
horsepower to about 150 horsepower. Blower 104 may also be powered
by any other suitable means. Blower 104 may include ducted fans.
Historically, ducted fans have not been used for aeration
applications due to their inability to overcome high head pressure
without cavitation. In order to compensate for the low pressure
high volume capability of the ducted fans and function at greater
depths, a small amount or about 5% to about 10% of the overall
volume of the fan may be released along the spacer 106 and at
sufficiently shallow depths, between about 4 inches to about 12
inches, into the body of water 101 as to allow the hydrostatic head
pressure of the water to be gas cut thereby reducing the head
pressure and allowing the air to then migrate to the next depth.
Once the hydrostatic head pressure has been sufficiently gas cut to
allow blower 104 to push air to the lowest point of the evaporation
unit 100, the weight of water 101 in proximity of the outside of
the evaporation unit 100 may be reduced by the volumetric
displacement value of the air occupying that space. An example of
this may be if the weight of the water 101 is 9.6 pounds per gallon
in the storage pit 102, and the head pressure at a depth of 14 feet
is 6.8 psi. By adding 50% by volume of air, the head pressure may
be reduced to 3.4 psi or below the pressure values of the blower
104 capabilities.
[0037] Spacer 106 may include a hollow cylindrical pipe that may
have an inner diameter that may reduce any friction from a moving
air mass within spacer 106. Spacer 106 may extend from several feet
above the water surface 110 to below the water surface 110. Spacer
106 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example,
metal (e.g., steel, alloys). The inner diameter of spacer 106 may
be about 12 inches to about 96 inches. Spacer 106 may be designed
to direct an air mass throughout the storage pit 102 to increase
the amount of water (e.g., body of water 101) that the air mass is
in contact with, thereby improving the evaporation or saturation of
the air mass. Spacer 106 may be fluidly coupled to diffuser 108.
Diffuser 108 may be positioned at a depth that may be below the
water surface 110 and above a maximum head pressure that the blower
104 may be capable of generating. Diffuser 108 may be placed on the
bottom 103 of storage pit 102. The coupling of the blower 104 to
spacer 106 and the coupling of spacer 106 to diffuser 108 may be
accomplished by any suitable means, such as, for example, threads,
welds, bolts or combinations thereof. This coupling may eliminate
the need for manifolds or headers to transfer the air from remotely
positioned blowers. This coupling may further reduce the need for
after coolers to be used to cool the air mass, thereby preventing
damage to the diffuser 108. This coupling may also reduce friction,
thereby reducing overall horsepower requirements.
[0038] During operation of evaporation unit 100, blower 104 may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 into diffuser
108. The air mass may then exit diffuser 108 into the body of water
101, thereby aerating the body of water 101. The diffuser 108 may
break the air mass into smaller bubbles (e.g., microbubbles) to
increase the evaporation uptake of the air mass. Microbubbles may
be bubbles with a diameter greater than 1 micrometer and less than
1 millimeter. Diffuser 108 may also provide turbulence and movement
of the water (e.g., body of water 101), thereby increasing surface
evaporation and fluid mixing. This may be important when the
evaporation unit 100 is used for aeration of waste water treatment
to aid in aerobic bacterial digestion or water clarification. As
the water evaporates, substances in the water (e.g., salt) may fall
into storage pit 102. The fallen substances (e.g., salt) may be
removed from storage pit 102 to a storage container and/or vehicle.
The unitized structure (e.g., the coupling of blower 104 to spacer
106 and the coupling of spacer 106 to diffuser 108) of evaporation
unit 100 may substantially reduce the cost and infrastructure in
treating contaminated water. Evaporation unit 100 may be deployed
within minutes or hours, thereby allowing them to be moved from
site to site based on demand. It should be noted that although a
single evaporation unit 100 is depicted in FIG. 2, a plurality of
evaporation units 100 may be utilized, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of diffuser 108. Diffuser 108
may comprise a plurality of arms 112 and a circular portion 120.
The configuration of diffuser 108 may resemble a hub and spokes
configuration. Each arm 112 may comprise a proximal end 116 and a
distal end 118. Proximal end 116 may be coupled to circular portion
120 by any suitable means such as welds. Each arm 112 may be hollow
and tubular in shape. In some embodiments, the plurality of arms
112 may rotate, allowing water within the arms 112 to be
centrifugally evacuated, thereby generating a cavitation effect and
aiding to overcome head pressure of the water and allowing the air
to exit deeper below the water surface 110. Arms 112 may be of a
rectangular tubing and may be of a length between about 12 inches
to about 96 inches. Arms 112 may be configured to allow the
rotation to create a negative pressure behind a leading edge of the
arm 112 as to allow air to be drafted out into the body of water
101 from the blower 104. Each arm 112 may have a configuration as
described below in FIGS. 5-8.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an arm 112 with a plurality of apertures
122 (e.g., slots). Each aperture 122 may have a diameter from about
1 inch to about 2 inches, and may be configured to funnel an air
mass as the air mass exits each aperture 122, thereby creating
microbubbles in a body of water (e.g., body of water 101 shown on
FIG. 2). During operation of evaporation unit 100, blower 104 may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 into diffuser
108. The flow of the air mass is denoted by arrows 131. The air
mass may then exit diffuser 108 via apertures 122 into the body of
water 101, thereby aerating the body of water 101. Apertures 122
may provide an air flow at angle 305 relative to the central axis
(denoted by reference number 300). Angle 305 may be any suitable
angle to create the microbubbles. In embodiments, angle 305 may be
about 10.degree. to about 90.degree., alternatively about
10.degree. to about 75.degree., alternatively about 40.degree. to
about 50.degree. (e.g., 45.degree.).
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an arm 112 comprising a plurality of
hollow tubes 124. As shown, tubes 124 extend outward from arm 112.
The plurality of hollow tubes 124 may each comprise a proximal end
127, which may be fluidly coupled to the body 113 of arm 112 by any
suitable means such as welds. Each hollow tube 124 may be coupled
to body 113 at angle 602 relative to the central axis 600 of arm
112. Angle 602 may be any suitable angle to create the
microbubbles. In embodiments, angle 602 may be about 10.degree. to
about 90.degree., alternatively about 10.degree. to about
75.degree., and alternatively about 40.degree. to about 50.degree.
(e.g., 45.degree.). Each tube 124 may have a length of about 8
inches to about 12 inches with an inner diameter of about 1 inch to
about 4 inches. Each tube 124 may have an opening 125 positioned at
a distal end 129 of each tube 124. Each tube 124 may be configured
to create microbubbles in a body of water (e.g., body of water 101
shown on FIG. 2) as an air mass exits each tube 124 via opening
125. During operation of evaporation system 100, blower 104 (e.g.,
as shown on FIG. 2) may capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass
from the surrounding area and may blow/force the air mass through
spacer 106 into diffuser 108. The flow of the air mass is denoted
by arrows 133. The air mass may then exit diffuser 108 via hollow
tubes 124 into the body of water 101, thereby aerating the body of
water 101.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates an arm 112 with a venturi 126 fluidly
coupled to distal end 118. Venturi 126 may be coupled to arm 112 by
any suitable means such as welds. Venturi 126 may be configured to
create microbubbles in a body of water (e.g., body of water 101
shown on FIG. 2) as an air mass exits the venturi 126. It is to be
understood that venture 126 refers to a constricted section of pipe
that causes a reduction in fluid pressure. During operation of
evaporation system 100, blower 104 (e.g., as shown on FIG. 2) may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 into diffuser
108. The air mass may then exit diffuser 108 via venturi 126 into
the body of water 101, thereby aerating the body of water 101.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates an arm 112 with a screen 128 coupled to
distal end 118 by any suitable means, such as, welds. Screen 128
may be made from any suitable metal, such as, for example,
stainless steel. Screen 128 may be configured to create
microbubbles in a body of water (e.g., body of water 101 shown on
FIG. 2) as air passes/exits through screen 128. Mesh size of the
screen 128 may be about 20 to about 100 mesh. During operation of
evaporation system 100, blower 104 (e.g., as shown on FIG. 2) may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 into diffuser
108. The air mass may then exit diffuser 108 via screen 128 into
the body of water 101, thereby aerating the body of water 101.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, water from storage
pit 102, which may include brine, may be pumped to a drying tunnel
or evaporator and collection tunnel where additional air may be
pumped into the evaporation tunnel while the water is sprayed into
the air mass within the drying tunnel. Brine may comprise a brine
solution comprising at least 10 wt % NaCl. In some embodiments,
brine may comprise a brine solution comprising about 10 wt % NaCl
to about 25 wt % NaCl. In other embodiments, brine may comprise a
brine solution comprising more than 25 wt % NaCl. Other ranges may
include ranges above what may be considered dischargeable to
surface ground waters. As the water becomes concentrated and
saturated with salts, the heavier water may be pulled off and then
injected into subterranean disposal wells at significantly lower
volumes then normal, thereby reducing the subsurface pressurization
and aiding in prevention of seismic occurrences.
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates tunnel 130 (e.g., a drying tunnel).
Tunnel 130 may be a hollow conduit or recess. Tunnel 130 may be
utilized in combination with evaporation unit(s) 100, or tunnel 130
may be utilized by itself. Tunnel 130 may include proximal end 132
and distal end 134. Distal end 134 may be open to the atmosphere.
Tunnel 130 may include a shape of a drum or barrel. Tunnel 130 may
comprise blower 136, nozzles 138, heaters 140 and a chamber 142
(e.g., a solids collection chamber). Tunnel 130 may be positioned
at an inclination angle, .alpha., from about 1.degree. to about
90.degree. relative to horizontal (e.g., x axis, as shown).
Alternatively, inclination angle, .alpha., may be about 30.degree.
to about 90.degree., or about 40.degree. to about 50.degree. (e.g.,
45.degree.). Tunnel 130 may be of a sufficient size and inner
diameter and may be heated to prevent any carry over of the air
mass. Tunnel 130 may include an inner diameter of about 8 feet to
about 12 feet and a length of about 50 feet to about 200 feet.
Tunnel 130 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for
example, metal (e.g., steel, alloys).
[0046] Blower 136 may be fluidly coupled to proximal end 132 by any
suitable means, such as, welds. Blower 136 may include a high
volume blower and may move over 100,000 cubic feet of air per
minute. In certain embodiments, blower 136 may move about 10,000
cubic feet of air per minute to about 500,000 cubic feet of air per
minute. The inner diameter of blower 136 may be about 12 inches to
about 96 inches. Blower 136 may be electrically powered and may
include a motor rated from about 7 horsepower to about 150
horsepower. Blower 136 may also be powered by any other suitable
means. Blower 136 may include ducted fans. Blower 136 may be placed
at the lower end of tunnel 130 (e.g., proximal end 132) with a
collection point (e.g., chamber 142) for the solids above the
blower 136. Blower 136 may move over 100,000 cubic feet of air per
minute. In certain embodiments, blower 136 may move about 10,000
cubic feet of air per minute to about 100,000 cubic feet of air per
minute. Blower 136 may aid in evaporating the water within tunnel
130. Blower 136 may be electrically powered and may include a motor
rated from about 7 horsepower to about 150 horsepower. Blower 136
may have an inner diameter from about 8 feet to about 12 feet.
[0047] Nozzles 138 may be disposed between the blower 136 and
heaters 140. Nozzles 138 may be nozzles used in misting and
evaporation systems. In some embodiments, nozzles 138 may include a
plurality of nozzles (e.g., 10-40 nozzles, 30-35 nozzles,
alternatively 32 nozzles) that may spray about 30 gallons per
minute into the tunnel 130 with an air temperature of about
100.degree. F. and an air rate of about 100,000 cfm. Based on the
evaporation chart, the air mass at that temperature may be capable
of holding about 300 lbs of water per min, or absorbing about 30
gallons per minute of water. The rate of water exiting the nozzles
138 may be adjusted to compensate for the influent air temperature
to reach full evaporation. Nozzles 138 may be fluidly coupled to
storage pit 102 (e.g., via line 152 and pump 154). Storage pit 102
may supply nozzles 138 with water. Nozzles 138 may be configured to
spray water (e.g., water from storage pit 102) into tunnel 130.
[0048] Heaters 140 (e.g., electrically powered heaters) may include
band heaters and/or direct contact heaters. Any other suitable
heaters may be utilized. Heaters 140 may be incorporated on the
outside surface 144 of tunnel 130 to heat the air mass and improve
the vaporization exchange into the air mass. The heating
temperatures may range from about 70.degree. F. on cold days to
over about 130.degree. F. on hot summer days. Heaters 140 may aid
in evaporating the water within tunnel 130.
[0049] Chamber 142 may be disposed between blower 136 and nozzles
138. Chamber 142 may be configured to receive/collect solids
falling out of the water as the water evaporates within tunnel 130.
Chamber 142 may include an auger 146 for removing solids from
chamber 142. Chamber 142 may have a diameter from about 8 inches to
about 10 inches or more. Auger 146 may be of about the same
diameter of chamber 142.
[0050] In certain embodiments, tunnel 130 may be positioned on a
trailer (e.g., vehicle trailer). FIG. 10 illustrates tunnel 130
positioned on trailer 148. Tunnel 130 may be coupled to trailer 148
via lifters 150 (e.g., hydraulic lifters--lifters actuated via
fluid). Lifters 150 may lower and/or raise tunnel 130, thereby
adjusting an inclination angle (e.g., .alpha.) relative to
horizontal (e.g., x axis, as shown). Although FIG. 10 illustrates a
single tunnel 130 and trailer 148, it should be noted that a
plurality of tunnels 130 and trailers 148 may be utilized, as
illustrated on FIG. 11.
[0051] During operation of tunnel 130, water from storage pit 102
may be pumped to nozzles 138. Nozzles 138 may spray water from
storage pit 102 into the interior of tunnel 130. The nozzles 138
may spray at a rate below the absorption rate of the air mass.
Blower 136 may capture air from the surrounding area and blow/force
the air through tunnel 130 and out distal end 134 as heaters 140
heat the air and water mixture. As the water evaporates, the solids
in the water (e.g., salt) may fall out of (e.g., separate from) the
water and gravitationally move to the bottom of the angled tunnel
130 where they are collected in chamber 142. The solids in chamber
142 may be augured and transported for recycling or disposal.
Tunnel 130 may be scraped to prevent buildup of salts inside of the
inner surface of tunnel 130.
[0052] It should be noted that blower 104 may be referred to as a
first blower and blower 136 may be referred to as a second
blower.
[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of evaporation unit
100. Evaporation unit 100 may be positioned within a body of water
101 of storage pit 102 (e.g., storage pit may contain produced
water which may include brine). Evaporation unit 100 may include
blower 104 and a spacer 106, as described above. The spacer 106 may
be submerged (completely or partially) in the body of water 101.
Blower 104 may be above the water surface 110. The body of water
101 may be received and stored in storage pit 102 from a
subterranean formation.
[0054] During operation of evaporation unit 100, blower 104 may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 into the body of
water 101, thereby aerating the body of water 101, as described
above. The turbulence of the air mass as it passes through the body
of water 101 may provide sufficient contact time as to allow the
air mass to become fully or partially saturated. As the water
evaporates, substances (e.g., salt) in the body of water 101 (e.g.,
salt) may accumulate at the bottom 103 of storage pit 102. It
should be noted that although a single evaporation unit 100 is
depicted in FIG. 12, a plurality of evaporation units 100 may be
utilized, as shown in FIG. 13.
[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of evaporation unit
100. Evaporation unit 100 may include blower 104 and a spacer 106,
as described above. Evaporation unit 100 may be positioned
completely inside storage tank 1100 (e.g., above ground storage
tank or below ground storage tank). Storage tank 1100 may include
vents 1106. Spacer 106 may be positioned within a body of water 101
of storage tank 1100 (e.g., storage tank may contain produced water
which may include brine). Blower 104 may be positioned above water
surface 110. The body of water 101 may be received and stored in
storage tank 1100 from a subterranean formation.
[0056] During operation of evaporation unit 100, blower 104 may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 into the body of
water 101, thereby aerating the body of water 101, as described
above. The turbulence of the air mass as it passes through the body
of water 101 may provide sufficient contact time as to allow the
air mass to become fully or partially saturated. As vapor escapes
from the top (e.g., roof 1104) of tank 1100 (e.g., via vents 1106),
any solids in the body of water 101 may accumulate at the storage
tank floor 1102. It should be noted that although a single
evaporation unit 100 is depicted in FIG. 14, a plurality of
evaporation units 100 may be utilized, as shown in FIG. 15.
[0057] FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of evaporation unit
100. Evaporation unit 100 may include blower 104 and a spacer 106,
as described above. A portion (e.g., spacer 106) of evaporation
unit 100 may be positioned within storage tank 1100 (e.g., above
ground storage tank or below ground storage tank that may contain
produced water which may include brine). Storage tank 1100 may
include vents 1106. Blower 104 may be placed on top (e.g., roof
1104) of storage tank 1100. Spacer 106 may extend from blower 104
into the body of water 101. Blower 104 may be secured to roof 1104
by any suitable means, such as, welds, bolts, screws, or
combinations thereof. The body of water 101 may be received and
stored in storage tank 1100 from a subterranean formation.
[0058] During operation of evaporation unit 100, blower 104 may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 into the body of
water 101, thereby aerating the body of water 101, as described
above. The turbulence of the air mass as it passes through the body
of water 101 may provide sufficient contact time as to allow the
air mass to become fully or partially saturated. As vapor escapes
from the top (e.g., roof 1104) of tank 1100 (e.g., via vents 1106),
any solids in the body of water 101 may accumulate at the storage
tank floor 1102. It should be noted that although a single
evaporation unit 100 is depicted in FIG. 16, a plurality of
evaporation units 100 may be utilized, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0059] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of evaporation unit
100. Evaporation unit 100 may include blower 104, spacer 106, and
diffuser 108. Evaporation unit 100 may be positioned completely
inside storage tank 1100 (e.g., above ground storage tank or below
ground storage tank that may contain produced water which may
include brine). Storage tank 1100 may include vents 1106. Spacer
106 and diffuser 108 may be submerged (completely or partially)
within the body of water 101 of storage tank 1100. Blower 104 may
be positioned above water surface 110 and within storage tank 1100.
The water 101 may be received and stored in storage tank 1100 from
a subterranean formation.
[0060] During operation of evaporation unit 100, blower 104 may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 and diffuser 108
into the body of water 101, thereby aerating the body of water 101,
as described above. The turbulence of the air mass as it passes
through the body of water 101 may provide sufficient contact time
as to allow the air mass to become fully or partially saturated. As
vapor escapes from the top (e.g., roof 1104) of tank 1100 (e.g.,
via vents 1106), any solids in the body of water 101 may accumulate
at the storage tank floor 1102. It should be noted that although a
single evaporation unit 100 is depicted in FIG. 18, a plurality of
evaporation units 100 may be utilized, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0061] FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of evaporation unit
100. Evaporation unit 100 may include blower 104, spacer 106, and
diffuser 108, as described above. A portion (e.g., spacer 106 and
diffuser 108) of evaporation unit 100 may be positioned in storage
tank 1100 (e.g., above ground storage tank or below ground storage
tank that may contain produced water which may include brine).
Blower 104 may be placed on top (e.g., roof 1104) of storage tank
1100. Spacer 106 and diffuser 108 may be submerged (completely or
partially) within the body of water 101 of storage tank 1100.
Blower 104 may be secured to roof 1104 by any suitable means, such
as, welds, bolts, screws, or combinations thereof. The body of
water 101 may be received and stored in storage tank 1100 from a
subterranean formation.
[0062] During operation of evaporation unit 100, blower 104 may
capture (e.g., via suction) an air mass from the surrounding area
and may blow/force the air mass through spacer 106 into the body of
water 101, thereby aerating the body of water 101, as described
above. The turbulence of the air mass as it passes through the body
of water 101 may provide sufficient contact time as to allow the
air mass to become fully or partially saturated. As vapor escapes
from the top (e.g., roof 1104) of tank 1100 (e.g., via vents 1106),
any solids in the body of water 101 may accumulate at the storage
tank floor 1102. It should be noted that although a single
evaporation unit 100 is depicted in FIG. 20, a plurality of
evaporation units 100 may be utilized, as shown in FIG. 21.
[0063] It is believed that the operation and construction of the
present disclosure will be apparent from the foregoing description.
While the apparatus and methods shown or described above have been
characterized as being preferred, various changes and modifications
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the disclosure as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *