H2S Destruction by EPT EOX
The EPT EOX treatment resulted in complete destruction of 4% H2S in frac water flowback.
The Situation
The active drilling and hydraulic fracturing areas within Northern Alberta make dealing with and disposal of H2S flow back and produced waters time consuming and expensive. These areas often have limited storage capacity, long wait times at disposal facilities and limited operating capabilities. Treatment, storage and/or disposal of H2S waste water often involves transporting hazardous material large distances to expensive disposal facilities. This in turn drives up the overall cost of operations. The H2S contaminated waters must be handled with the strictest of care and control, with specialized equipment and highly trained personal, which is extremely expensive. In Northern Alberta, economic, environmental and operational demands challenge many operators to produce results in a highly regulated and competitive market.
The Solution
The Electro Pure Technology (EPT) with advanced electrocatalytic oxidation (EOX) provided an onsite solution for the complete destruction of H2S contaminated waters as well as long term elimination of bacteria. By understanding the complex interactions of the technology, the EPT system is able to effectively and efficiently treat high volumes and high rates of this hazardous materials making it available to reuse.
Biofilm is broken up and EPT EOX penetrates to bacteria to eliminate activity for extended period of time. Pre and Post EPT EOX can be seen through photomicrograph imagery
The Results
Ground Effects successfully deployed the Electro Pure Technology with advanced electro catalytic oxidation (EOX) to treat H2S contaminated frac flow back at a site in Northern Alberta, Canada. Hydrogen sulfide concentrations were reduced from 40,000ppm →0ppm. The EPT EOX treated contaminated water successfully destroyed H2S, as well as eliminated bacterial populations for an extended period of time.These include sulfate reducing bacteria, iron related bacteria and acid producing bacteria, all of which are key in the development of hydrogen sulfide within the formation, scaling, corrosion and poor well performance.
- Reduced the costs and liability associated with storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous fluids
- Proven, viable solution for eliminating H2S contamination in water
- Elimination of bacterial populations associated with production of hydrogen sulfide and corrosion for extended period of time
- Sulfate reducing bacteria, acid producing bacteria and iron related bacteria eliminated for >30 days
- Eliminate or reduce the use of biocides
| Bacterial Test | Unit | Initial | Post EPT EOX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfur Reducing Bacteria | CFU/ml | 2,200,000 | <5 |
| Acid Producing Bacteria | CFU/ml | 475,000 | <2 |
| Iron Related Bacteria | CFU/ml | 570,000 | <1 |