--> Abstract: Produced Water Treatment in Campos Basin, by J. F. T. Castro, E. Costa Bastos, and N. H. Shioya; #90933 (1998).

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Abstract: Produced Water Treatment in Campos Basin

Castro, J. F. T.; E. Costa Bastos; N. H. Shioya - Petrobras/E&P

During the last several years the produced water treatment systems of Campos Basin went through an evolution that can be seen on the production platforms that began operation in the seventies as well as on the new ones and FPSOs.

The conception of the first fixed production systems had other concerns considered more important than the environmental subjects. Furthermore many other semi-submersible systems were installed afterwards that were not designed for treatment and discharge of effluents.

The principle operation of the oil-water separation equipment was basically the gravity separation provided by CPIs, TPIs and degasser vessels. The low performance of this equipment for the treatment of oil in water emulsions has boosted studies and efforts to achieve results, guaranteeing desirable levels of oil and grease content.

A strategy was planned to change this scenario and some basic items are pointed out as follows:

- Basic concept: composed of the association of gravity separation and dissolved gas flotation at low costs.

- Integrated view: the whole process was reviewed considering the fact that all the products from petroleum activities must be treated in an integrated way, keeping the process stable and under control from the reservoir to the discharge of the final effluent;

- Chemical adjustment: the success of a chemical treatment depends on the association of some chemicals at a perfect grade, such as demulsifiers and polyelectrolites for the oil and water specifications;

- Technical recomendations: process engineering and operation must be constantly up to date concerning new concepts, operational improvements and technical recommendations and turning them into operational procedures, spreading to the whole team and implementing them into their routines;

- Stability of the production process: the process philosophy must be connected with the running actions in any production system. Despite being a clear concept, it is not always applied;

- New technologies: in addition to the basic points above, other driving factors for the treatment of discharged water are being applied for better results.

The treatment of produced water includes improvement on the operating performance of the existing equipment at low costs, process stability, new technologies and the integrated view of the production process. The commitment of all parties involved in this process is essential for the success of the enterprise. Good results were obtained applying the proposed strategy, increasing the efficiency in several stages of the produced water treatment.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90933©1998 ABGP/AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil