Feasibility of resource utilization of the refractory evaporation concentrate of gas field wastewater exhibiting high salinity: Application of UV/Fenton, desulfurization, distillation and crystallization process after pre-treatment

Environ Res. 2022 Mar;204(Pt C):112317. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112317. Epub 2021 Nov 1.

Abstract

The evaporation concentrate of gas field wastewater (EC-GFW) is a new type of refractory actual wastewater produced by the three-effect evaporation of gas field wastewater, exhibiting extremely high salinity and complex organic components. This study proposed a set of processes consisting of AOPs, precipitation, distillation, and crystallization for the systematic treatment of EC-GFW. In this paper, the optimal conditions for the processes after pre-treatment were investigated. The optimal operating parameters of UV/Fenton process were determined to be 180 min of reaction time, 4 of initial pH, 0.6 mol/L of H2O2 dosage, 10:1 of n(H2O2): n(Fe2+) value, and 30 W of UV power. Fenton's reagent was added in two steps (0 min and 90 min) for effective utilization. The results showed that the TOC (Total organic carbon) removal efficiency during the two-stage oxidation reached 93% with TOC in the effluent of 132 mg/L. Then, 82.3% of sulfate ions were removed by the desulfurization process using 50 g/L of CaCl2 within 10 min at a pH of 5 before distillation. It was found that the TOC in the influent of distillation played a decisive role in the quality of the effluent and purity of the crystalline salt, which was expected to be controlled lower than 132 mg/L. The final condensate could utilize to reuse, 99% of main pollutants of which have been removed, reducing the pressure of water supply on site. Simultaneously, the industrial-grade NaCl with extensive application prospect can be recovered. The harmless disposal and resource utilization of EC-GFW was achieved on a laboratory scale, providing the data support and theoretical guidance for treating EC-GFW at gas field project site.

Keywords: Evaporation concentrate; Gas field wastewater; Harmless disposal; Resource utilization; UV/Fenton.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization
  • Distillation
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry
  • Oil and Gas Fields
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Salinity
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods
  • Wastewater* / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

  • Waste Water
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Hydrogen Peroxide