Characteristics and Management of Produced Water in Al-Ahdab Oil Field

Abstract

Abstract Produced water (PW) is the wastewater generated when water from the underground reservoir is brought to the surface during oil or gas extraction. PW is generated in large amounts and has a complex composition, containing various toxic organic and inorganic compounds. Thus, it is a big issue for water and environmental pollution; therefore, it must be treated to meet the requirement of injection, disposal or re-use. This paper attempts to summarize the characteristics of produced water and clarifying the current treatment operations in Al-Ahdab oil field located between Numania and Al-Kut (the center of Kut Province), about 180 km to the south-east of Baghdad/Iraq. This field is managed by Iraqi Middle Oil Company. The collected samples of the PW from Al-Ahdab oil field were taken and analysed for pre-treatment and post-treatment. The treatment units consists of de-oiling (removal of dispersed oil and grease), desalination, removal of suspended particles and sand, removal of soluble organics, removal of dissolved gases and removal of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The result showed that the current treatment does not meet the requirements for irrigation water quality or other benefits used. At the same time, it suitable for re-injection operation into a reservoir for oil extraction purposes.