Oilfield produced water treatment to clean water using integrated activated carbon-bentonite adsorbent and double stages membrane process

Large quantities of produced water are generated during the oil and gas production, with a global estimation of three times larger than the products of oil and gas. Water obtained from produced water treatment is potential as an alternative source of clean water for the surrounding community. Integration of physical adsorption as pretreatment and double stages membrane separation as main treatment was confirmed to enhance the performance in term of membrane separation efficiency for produced water treatment. The nanohybrid membrane of PES-nano silica was fabricated by preparing stable and homogeneous polymer dope solution composed of 18 wt% Polyethersulfone, 2 wt% polyethylene glycol, 1.5 wt% nano silica, and N-methyl Pyrrolidone as a solvent. The double stages system was proven significantly enhanced the flux of 26.4-30.6%. In addition, this system increased rejection of TDS, turbidity, and salinity to 72%, 6%, and 90%, respectively. The integrated adsorber - double stages system also performed excellent stability in term of permeate water flux and rejection efficiency. It is verified that the proposed concept can achieve a higher membrane performance and extends the membrane lifetime in produced water treatment.