Oil and Gas

De-Oiling Produced Water
from Upstream Operations

Without the Need for
Added Chemicals or Heat
M.J. Plebon
Vice President Produced Water Applications
TORR Canada Inc.
PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference
As oil fields mature, the production of water can significantly increase. The industry
perceives this excess produced water as a necessary evil that is often a liability and
major cost centre. As the water cut increases, the retention time of separation equipment
is reduced to cope with the excess water or oil production drops because the water
treatment has now become the bottleneck of the facility. Additionally, the facility can
experience difficulties in de-oiling the produced water to within discharge regulations.
Every oil producing facility has significantly different composition and characteristics of
produced water. The smaller the oil droplets found in the water, the more difficult it is to
remove them. These small droplets are formed from fluids passing through choke valves
from a high to a lower pressure. The mechanical sheering can create a high proportion
of dispersed oil in water of 10 m and less. Even under favorable conditions, these
droplets will be difficult to remove. Often chemicals are added to help facilitate the deoiling process however chemical addition can be inefficient due to the low retention time
and inadequate mixing. Unexpected upset conditions in the overall process add
additional difficulty to the task of treating the produced water.
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INTRODUCTION
Presentation
Agenda
3:1 Water/Oil Ratio Globally
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
10:1 Water/Oil Ratio for Mature Assets
Applications
Treatment of Produced Water

Conclusions
Offshore Discharge Regulations
It is understood in the industry that on a global basis, for every barrel of oil produced, 3
barrels of produced water accompanies the oil.
As the asset matures over time, the quantity of produced water starts to increase while
the oil brought to surface decreases. (higher water cuts)
Produced water can become the bottleneck in production operations. The costs
associated with treating, handling and disposing of this water increases over time.
For offshore operations, discharge regulations are being tightened and this is
challenging the industry to comply.
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AGENDA
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
THEORY
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
Applications
Conclusions
In this presentation, the basic theory of oil/water separation will be reviewed, the technology
concepts for removing and recovering dispersed oil from produced water will be discussed and
three applications for the TORR technology will be presented. The presentation will show that
the technology merits special consideration for de-oiling produced water to meet existing and
future discharge regulations. All field data is a result from short term testing of one to four
weeks.
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THEORY
While several widely accepted techniques exist for removing oil from water, all have their
limitations. The limitation does not exist in the percentage removal efficiency or final oil
concentrations in the treated water but rather in the size of the oil droplet diameter that
the technology can effectively and efficiently remove from the water. Often two or three
types of oil/water separation technologies are employed to treat the produced water to
the desired hydrocarbon concentrations. The technology highlighted in this paper
merits serious consideration for accomplishing similar results in one single process.
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THEORY
Presentation
Agenda
Stoke
Stokes Law
Separation
Theory
Vr = g d2 (w- o) / 18
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
Vr
= rise velocity of oil droplet
= acceleration due to gravity
= oil particle diameter
= density of water
= density of oil
= viscosity of water
> Droplet >> Vr
In order to correctly address the de-oiling issues that exist, it is vital to better understand
the characteristics of the produced water and the dispersed oil.
Hydrocarbon
concentrations should be noted and tracked
All equipment that exists for separating oil from water uses Stokes Law as the basic
fundamental operating principle. Each class of oil water separators have their own
specific limitation which is the size of the droplet that can be effectively separated from
water. The removal of oil from water can be accomplished by the use of several wellknown and widely accepted techniques. However, the performance of any given
separation technique will depend entirely on the condition of the oil-water mixture.
Present techniques for the separation of oil from water are based on their difference of
density. Stokes Law states that rising velocity Vr is a function of the square of the oil
droplets diameter. From Stokes Law, it can be seen that droplet size has the largest
impact on rising velocity to a collection surface and thus the easier it is to treat the
water. Consequently, the bigger the droplet size, the less time it takes for the droplet to
rise to a collection surface and therefore the easier it is to treat the water.
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THEORY
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
SIZE DISTRIBUTION CURVE ANALYSIS
O
T
D
E
E
N
E
R
U
S
A
E
M
The oil in water can be present as free-oil, and/or emulsified, and/or dissolved states in different
proportions. This oil droplet size distribution is one of the most important factors affecting the design of
oil-water separators.
Free-oil is defined as an oil droplet of 150 microns or larger which will float immediately to the surface due
to its large size and high rise velocity. Emulsion is oil which is dispersed in the water in a stable fashion
due to its small diameter and thus to its low rise velocity.
Emulsions can be found in two types : mechanical emulsions and chemical emulsions. Mechanical
emulsions are created through the process of pumping, large pressure drops through chokes, control
valves, and otherwise mixing the oil-water solution. Chemical emulsions are generally intentionally formed
using chemicals to stabilize the emulsions for an industrial process need or other use.
Gravity separation is a popular mechanism commonly used for the removal of oil from water. This process
primarily affects free oil. Tight oil emulsions and dissolved oils will not be removed by gravity separation
alone. The objective in treatment of water containing emulsified oils is to destabilize the emulsion so that
the oil will separate by gravity or flotation. Essentially what is done is to promote interdroplet contact with
the purpose of developing larger droplets that will be easier to remove. Once the emulsion is broken, the
same removal techniques applicable to free oil can be utilized.
Small oil droplets are always difficult to separate. The smaller the droplets, the lower their rising velocity
will be. A prerequisite for efficient separation is, therefore, that oil droplets coalesce (become larger and
rise more rapidly). These small droplets and the concentrations of these droplets that exist in the water
need to be properly measured in order to select the correct oil/water separator. A Size Distribution Curve is
imperative to measure. This information is difficult to obtain if one wishes to measure realistic values
indicative of the process. Thus the size distribution curve must be measured in real-time and on-line.
For example, Frankiewicz, Browne and Lee (2001) stated that hydrocyclones have limitations and are not
effective with oil droplet sizes less than 10m to 15 m thus induced gas flotation vessels often accompany
them downstream.
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Droplet Size Distribution

Measurement Apparatus
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Solid Particles
Oil Droplet
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
On-line Video Imaging

Process Analyzer
The Companys standpoint is that the oil-in-water size distribution curve is vital to understanding the true
characteristics of the hydrocarbons in the produced water. The Company also believes that this
information must be obtained at the facility and the measurements must be taken and recorded on-line and
in real time otherwise the information will not accurately reflect the true conditions of the fluids.
The Company has invested ~$70K into the latest state-of-the-art on-line, real-time analyzing equipment and
uses this tool to properly characterize the fluids at the facility. The ViPA (Video Imaging Particle Analyzer)
is manufactured by Jorin in the UK. The principle theory of operation of this technology has evolved to a
point where accurate data can be obtained by analyzing a slip stream of the process at varying sample
points.
The Jorin ViPA is an on-line image analysis system, designed to provide information on particle type, size
and concentration. The ViPA uses a video microscope to capture images of the particles in a process flow,
like the one above. The camera captures an image of the particles in the liquid flow and analyses this
image. Information on the shape, size, optical density and 14 other parameters are recorded for each
particle in the image before the data is saved and the next image is captured. Approximately 15 images are
analyzed each second. In the above image it is clear that the solid particles have a very different shape to
the oil droplets. The ViPA can use this difference to distinguish between the particle types and categorize
them separately. In this way, and using any or all of the seventeen parameters, the ViPA can differentiate
between up to eight particle types in a single liquid flow. Information on the size distribution, concentration,
etc. of each these particle types is then reported on screen and on the optional 4-20 mA output.
For the results in the presentation, oil-in-water (Total Oil and Grease) analysis was performed on water
samples from the inlet and outlet of the apparatus unit using a United Kingdom Department of Trade and
Industry approved infrared (IR) method in the chemical lab on board the facility. Oil concentration results
are presented in parts-per-million for total (soluble, free-floating and emulsified) oil. Samples were
consistently taken at the inlet and outlet of the trial unit by the operators of the platform. Volume of
samples was 500 ml each. Inlet samples were taken at the corresponding sample points upstream of the
trial unit. Outlet samples were taken from the discharge hose exiting from the trial unit. All laboratory
measurements were conducted by the onsite operational personnel.
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TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
The following slides demonstrate the operating principles of the technology in greater
detail.
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Separation Principles of the

Technology
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
Filtration
Coalescence
Gravity Separation
The technology operates on the principles of filtration, coalescence and gravity

separation within the same engineered envelope. The technology incorporates its
proprietary thermoset polymeric material backbone into the continuous coalescing
elements. These continuous coalescing elements are then implemented into an
engineered envelope.
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General Layout of the Technology

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Stage #3
Stage #2
Stage #1
Technology
Operation
Solids
Management
Applications
Conclusions
10
The Technology is a multi-stage separation system for removing some solution gas, free floating and
dispersed oil from water. The Technology differs through its use of the Continuous Coalescing Elements,
which is a unique self-cleaning hydrocarbon coalescer developed by the Company. This material is a
thermoset polymeric material backbone, oleophilic, hydrophobic and non-toxic.
The Technology has the capacity of performing multi-phase separation by incorporating the physical
principles of adsorption, coalescence, desorption and gravity separation in each treatment stage. The
adsorption process is accomplished by means of the continuous coalescing element, while gravity
separation is completed in the integrated oil separation system that separately recovers the processed oil
and gas from the water.
The Technology breaks down into the following components:
1. Oily water is routed to the Technologys process for separation.
2. The oily water passes through multiple vessels, each containing the
Continuous Coalescing Elements (CCE) and a recovery chamber.
3. The CCE continuously adsorbs and breaks oil emulsions, coalesces and desorbs
them into larger oil globules.
4. In each recovery chamber, oil droplets desorbed by the CCE float to the top as
dictated by Stokes Law.
5. Inside the top of the vessel, final separation of the oil, gas and water occurs.
6. The oil and gas are recovered at the top of the vessel.
7. The water is further polished in the second stage (if needed) to meet discharge requirements.
8. A third vessel is on standby for redundancy (if needed).
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10
Cut-Out of the Technology

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
11
A cut-away shows several Continuous Coalescing Elements (CCE) inside the vessel.
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11
Cartridge Layout Within the

Technology
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
12
The hydrocarbon contaminated produced water is sent through the inner core of the
CCE. The top of the inner core is capped to force the flow of the oily water through the
CCE.
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12
Filtration & Adsorption Within the

Technology
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
13
The design of the CCE forces the flow of the contaminated produced water through the
media to the outer edges of the element. As the water flows through the media with
increased velocity, the media adsorbs oil droplets 2 microns and larger.
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13
Coalescence Within the Technology

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
14
The thermoset polymeric backbone material adsorbs the hydrocarbons 2 microns and
larger and continues to adsorb and coalesce until is saturates. The high velocity of the
liquid through the element then forces the hydrocarbon saturated media to desorb a
much larger oil globule out through the elements perimeter.
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14
Desorbtion Within the Technology

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
15
The process of adsorption, coalescence and desorbtion repeats itself many times. The
CCE cleans itself of the hydrocarbons through the desorbtion of the large globules
which then having a high rise velocity, is recovered in the gravity separation recovery
system at the top of the vessel.
This enables the recovery of hydrocarbons on a continuous basis with minimum
intervention.
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15
Oil Recovery Within the Technology

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Recovered
Oil
Recovered
Oil Recycled
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
16
The engineered vessel can incorporate instrumentation to automate the recovery of the
collected hydrocarbons and solution gases for a total automated solution.
The CCE will continue to adsorb, coalesce and desorb even when fully saturated with
hydrocarbons.
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16
Technology Operating Parameters

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Crude Oil Density: API 16 and Above

Fluid Temperature: up to 95C
Sustains Motion (FPSOs and Semi-Submersibles)
Technology
Operation
TSS < 15 m to 20 m
Applications
Oil Droplet Diameters > 2 m
Inlet Oil Concentrations up to 2,000 mg/L

Solution Gas Recovery Up to 2% - 3%
Conclusions
P ~ 7 to 10 psig per Vessel

Handles Upset Conditions
Meets and Exceeds Stringent O/B & Surface Discharge Regulations
Produced Water Flow Rates up to 60,000 BWPD per Vessel
17
The operating parameters of the Technology are stated in the above slide. Lower API crude have been
tested however at the expense of a reduction in flow rate.
The upper fluid temperature limit of 95 C is dictated by the materials of construction of the element. For
higher operating temperatures, other materials of construction will be incorporated. The melting point of
the thermoset polymeric material backbone is above 200 C
CFD analysis have been conducted on the TORR with positive results and Roll & Pitch do not affect the
efficiency of the process.
Solids management capabilities exist however the maximum loading factors have yet to be determined.
Inlet oil concentrations of 2,000 mg/L can be exceeded intermittently during upset conditions. Long
duration of excessive concentrations on the inlet will result in reduced efficiencies with the treated water
results on the outlet.
50% to 90% of the oil droplets 2 microns and larger are adsorbed, coalesced and removed.
For flow rates exceeding 60,000 BPD, multiple units can be implemented in parallel.
Depending on the characteristics of the produced water to be treated, the efficiency of the system can be
enhanced by providing optimized solutions on a case-by-case basis. This implies optimizing the two basic
principles behind the technology being oil coalescence and gravity separation.
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17
Technology Operating Parameters

C o n c e n t r a t i o n R e m o v a l Ef f i c i e n c y v s Em u l si o n S i z e
Presentation
Agenda
99.97 Total Removal Efficiency

Separation
Theory
100.00
Table #1 2 5 Microns
Technology
Operation
2-5 m Range
Concn (PPM)
Avg @ Inlet
7.48
90.4
Applications
Avg @ Outlet
2.38
% Removal
68.2%
Table #2 2 10 Microns
2-10 m Range
Concn (PPM)
Avg @ Inlet
29.84
Avg @ Outlet
2.88
% Removal
90.4
68.20
Conclusions
50.00
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
M a x i m u m Em u l si o n D i a m e t e r ( u m )
18
Measurements and analysis of the performance of a two-stage radial system on the

handling and recovery of small oil emulsions (in the ranges 2 5 m and 2 10 m) has
yielded the following results:
The oil injected in this process had an API density of 20. The technology unit was
treating the water at a rate of approximately 600 BWPD (equivalent to 3.8 m/hr, the
design flow rate for the used unit) and a water temperature of 23 C. The above
measurements were taken when the unit had treated 641m (4031 BW) with continuous
inlet oil concentration of 800 1000ppm.
Total inlet concentration into the technology was approximately 800-1000ppm. Oil
emulsions having diameters in the range 2 5 m constituted 7.5ppm of the overall
concentration, while oil emulsions in the range 2 10 m constituted 30ppm of that same
overall value.
Treatment of these emulsions in a two-stage system shows that a two-stage unit is
capable of removing up to 90% of oil emulsion having diameters in the range of 2 10
m and up to 70% of oil emulsions in the range of 2 5 m. The overall separation and
recovery efficiency was 99.97%
The nature of the tests (heavy-oil, low temperature, high inlet oil concentration)
contributes to lowering the efficiency of the unit in small oil emulsion handling. It is
expected that this performance be enhanced in favorable field conditions (higher
operating temperatures, lower concentrations).
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18
APPLICATIONS
INSITU SAGD
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19
ISSUES in SAGD
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
SAGD Bitumen Production Costs
Technology
Operation
OTSGs use natural gas expensive.

Applications
To have alternative choice of fuel, must change boiler.

To change boiler, must soften water more efficiently.
Conclusions
To soften water more efficiently, must de-oil water more

effectively even during upset conditions.
20
One of the greatest criticisms of the SAGD process is the amount of energy required to
recover the bitumen from the ground. SAGD facilities utilize Once Through Generators
or OTSGs. OTSGs need to use natural gas as the fuel to generate the steam for the
SAGD process. A major portion of the production costs are directly associated with the
use of Natural gas at the OTSG.
If one wants to reduce production costs, then a different type of fuel should be explored.
If a different type of fuel is desired then we need to use a packaged boiler. In order to
use a packaged boiler, the water softening process needs to be improved. In order to
improve the water softening process, a more reliable and effective de-oiling technology
is required even during upset conditions.
TORR can provide the necessary stability in the de-oiling process that is presently
missing. The following slides will outline on-site tests of the TORR at a SAGD facility.
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20
SAGD Water De-Oiling Layout #1

Presentation
Agenda
IGF
Separation
Theory
ORF
Water
Softener
Bag
Filter
Technology
Operation
ORC
TEXUN-5 Axial
Applications
Conclusions
Skim Tank
Feed
Pump
Technology Axial
Orientation
Bag
Filter
CONRAD 2006 Water Usage Workshop & Seminar Fort McMurray
21
The Technology was commissioned to treat produced water from the skim tank in a
closed loop system. The nature of the water in the skim tank was indicative of an
upset condition in the plants process, characterized by a high concentration of solids,
oil and inorganic contamination. During this test of the technology, the operations were
attempting several other water treatment solutions.
Objective of the field trial:
Characterization of the water treatment process upset conditions at the
plant.
Obtain information on the particle size distribution of the plant water.
Start-up the technology.
Evaluate and compare the technology to the current water treatment deoiling process.
Produced Water and Oil Properties:
Oil
9.5 API (Before diluent injection)
PW Temperature
75 - 80C
PW Flow Rate
120 m3/day
Plants current process to de-oil the water consists of an IGF, followed by an ORF
(Nutshell Filter) and bag filters (1 to 5 microns filter sizes). The treated water is disposed
of in disposal wells. Under normal conditions, operations measures the turbidity of the
water at different points of the treatment process. Typical turbidity values are ~180 NTUs
at the inlet of the IGF, 40 NTUs at the disposal well location.
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21
Analysis of Existing PW Treatment

Process (IGF/ORF/Bag Filters) - SAGD
D C EL Pro cess W at er C haract eriz at io n ( F eb ruary 11t h, 2 0 0 5)
Presentation
Agenda
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
C onc entration (ppm )
675
Separation
Theory
655
525
490
450
375
347
300
225
Oil
150
Solids
87
75
1
Solids
(ppm)
IGF Inlet
87
490
IGF
Outlet
5.5
655
ORF Inlet
41
347
ORF
Outlet
21
25
Bag Filter
Outlet
28
20
25
21
41
Oil
(ppm)
Average
600
28
20
5
22
Analysis and characterization of the existing produced water de-oiling process during
upset conditions were done with the Video Imaging Process Analyzer on February 11th
and 13th. Measurements were taken and analyzed at five different locations: Inlet and
outlet of the IFG, inlet and outlet of the ORF and after the bag filters downstream of the
ORF. It must be noted that it took time to hook up the sampling points so the values may
not appear logical due to the time lag involved for each sample point.
Measurements on February 11th were taken when a polymer was being injected into the
water stream throughout the process in an attempt to stabilize the high solids
concentrations experienced during the upset conditions. The function of the polymer
was to remove them by adhering to them. This resulted in the formation of very large
solid particles which in turn led to extensive filter bag replacement. The oil in the water
stream was also removed by this additive throughout the process.
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22
Analysis of Existing PW Treatment

Process (IGF/ORF/Bag Filters) - SAGD
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
D C EL Pro cess W at er C haract er iz at io n ( F eb r uary 13 t h, 2 0 0 5)

550
526
450
400
347
350
300
Applications
Conclusions
Oil
(ppm)
Solids
(ppm)
IGF Inlet
261
526
IGF
Outlet
347
250
ORF Inlet
309
358
ORF
Outlet
172
28
Bag Filter
Outlet
113
38
Average
500
250
358
309
261
250
200
172
113
150
100
Oil
50
28
Solids
0
1
38
23
The polymer injection was discontinued and measurements were taken on the 13th of
February. The values show oil and solids concentrations typical of the upset conditions
in production. The results from the video imaging process analyzer indicated that the oil
removal in the IGF was minimal during this period of time and very poor in the ORF
stage. (Again it must be noted that the readings observed at each sample point in the
process had extensive lag times between readings due to the time required to connect to
each sample point. This explains the illogical higher concentration readings through the
process.) Approximately 120 ppm of oil was still detected in the disposal water. The bag
filter was replaced at a frequency of 15 to 30 changes per day.
The Technology was connected to the skim tank in a closed loop. The purpose of the
initial trial was to coalesce and separate the oil in the skim tank through passing the
water in the Technology apparatus, and returning large-diameter coalesced oil droplets
to be recovered by gravitational separation in the skim tank. The water at the discharge
of the Technology was also returned to the skim tank. This water was monitored for oil
content and was expected to attain a free-floating and emulsified oil concentration lower
than 20 ppm. Results are found on the next slide.
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23
Analysis of Technologys PW
Treatment Process - SAGD
Oil and Solids Concentration Throughout the
Technology During Upset Conditions 02/14/05
Presentation
Agenda
1000
Separation
Theory
Applications
Conclusions
Concentration (ppm)
Technology
Operation
754
Oil
169
104
100
Solids
Online Real-Time Image
Online Real-Time Image
Inlet to Technology
Outlet from
Technology
Oil Droplet
10
No Visible Oil or Solid

Particles
5.6
3.85
Solid Particles
1.5
1
INLET
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
Outlet
5
24
Bag filters (25m) were being used upstream of the Technology system to reduce the
amount of solid concentration entering the system in the water to be treated.
First day of the trial (February 14th 2005), the Technology was operated with a flow rate
of 5m/hr (120m/day). The bag filters were being changed every 45 minutes. (Continuous
operation of Technology was maintained through spare sets of filters installed in
parallel). The Technology was run for approximately six consecutive hours.
Solid particles analysis at inlet of the Technology (after the 25m bag filters) showed an
average solid concentration of 1029ppm with particles sizes varying between 3.4m and
58.1m in characteristic length. This is attributed to the upset conditions in production
throughout the de-oiling process. This high solids concentration (with low particle sizes)
attributed to the increase in pressure drop across the first stage in the Technology
system. (Pressure was observed to start increasing as solids started being absorbed in
the first stage). The increased level of solids was due to the discontinuation of the
polymer a few days prior.
As a temporary solution, the flow in the system was reduced to 3m/hr (75m/day). This
allowed for no interruption in the operation of the Technology for the last two days of
this initial field trial (with upset conditions). The pressure drop across the system was
maintained at around 10-15psi across all 6 stages with a flow rate of 3m/hr.
Water quality was monitored in the Technology system to determine the performance in
oil removal over the three days of the trail. The video imaging process analyzer was
used to measure and record oil droplet size distributions (in m) and corresponding
concentration (in ppm) throughout the Technology stages. Averaged results are
presented in the graph above and chart on the next slide.
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24
Analysis of Technologys PW
Treatment Process - SAGD
Presentation
Agenda
Sample
(Average)
Separation
Theory
Oil Inlet
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
Minimum
Diameter (m)
Maximum
Diameter (m)
754
0.08
44
Solids Inlet
1029
3.3
58
Oil Stage #1
169
0.8
Solids Stage #1
103
3.6
39
Oil Stage #2
5.6
0.8
37
Solids Stage #2
3.8
4.7
33
NTU Readings
Concentration
(ppm)
Avg. Inlet =
Avg. Outlet =
369 NTU
1.07 NTU
Avg. From
IGF + ORF
= 27 67 NTU
25
Solid particle analysis at the inlet of the technology (after the 25 m bag filters) showed
average solids concentration of 1029 ppm with particles sizes varying between 3.36 m
and 58.12 m in characteristic length. This is attributed to the upset conditions in
production throughout the plant process. This high solid concentration is contributing to
the increase in pressure drop across the technology during the first day. A pressure drop
increase was observed in the first stage of the technology due to an accumulation of
solids in the first cartridge of the system. It is clear that the solid concentration was
fluctuating tremendously during the test. The inlet concentrations were 774, 652 and
1661, (data beyond those values were eliminated from calculation). In addition to that
fluctuation, on the first day, the bag filter changing rate was one every 45 minutes. As a
temporary solution, the flow in the system was reduced to 3 m/hr (75 m/day). This
allowed for no interruption in the operation of the technology for the last two days of this
initial field trial. The pressure drop across the system was maintained constant after the
flow correction for the entire period of the test at around 10- 15 psi across all stages with
a flow rate of 3m/hr.
Plant personnel did further testing of the technologys performance and water quality.
Turbidity was measured to be 369 NTU at the inlet of the technology. At the same time,
water samples at the downstream location (i.e: before disposal) had a turbidity varying
between 27 67 NTU.
Water at the outlet of the technology had a turbidity of 1.07 NTU.
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25
Oil & Solids Mass Balance Through

Technologys First Pad
Flow
Rate
(m3/day)
PW
Volume
Treated
(m3)
Day 4
120
30
Day 5
75
31
10
Day 6
75
25
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Operation
Time
Technology
Technologys trial operation
(hr)
duration and flow rates in February.
Conclusions
Inlet of first stage with

no solids accumulation.
26
After the three-day test, the Technology was opened to assess the status of the first
stage. The picture of the first stage pillow indicates no accumulation of solids on the
inlet surface after 24 hours of operation over 3 days.
It was decided to conduct a mass balance on the oil and solids entering the first stage of
the technology. Results are shown in the table on the next slide.
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26
Oil & Solids Mass Balance Through

Technologys First Pad
Presentation
Agenda
Contamination Type
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
INLET
STAGE #1
Oil
Solids
Average Inlet (ppm)
754
1029
Average After Stage 1 (ppm)
169
103
Reduction Avg. Through Pad (ppm)
585
926
86
86
Total Contaminant Volume to Pad (m3)
0.05
0.08
Maximum Volume of Pad (m3)
0.02
0.02
Vol. Contaminant Eliminated from Water

at 1st Stage (m3)
0.03
0.06
1.5
Total Water Volume Treated (m3)
Applications
Conclusions
PAD
VOLUME
Ratio Contaminant Eliminated/Pad

Volume
27
Average concentrations of solids and oil were taken from the video imaging process
analyzer over the three-day period at the inlet and after the first stage of the technology.
Also recorded was the overall volume processed through the technology. To protect
confidential design information on the Technology, the real pad volume available for the
fluid is not mentioned. However the entire pad volume is taken for the calculation of the
mass balance. (This overall total volume value presents a worse condition than reality.)
The above table indicates that the Technologys first stage has eliminated 1.5 times the
total volume of the pad in oil and 3 times the volume of the pad in solids from the water
entering the second stage. Again it is important to remember that for confidentiality
reasons, the adsorbent media volume has not been distinguished from the total pad
volume which would improve the Contaminant/Pad volume ratio even more. What the
data demonstrates is that the oil is removed from the technology via an
adsorption/coalescence/desorbtion mechanism. The data also indicates that the solids
are eliminated from the Technology by adhering to the oil. The Technology will eliminate
solids within a defined parameter without generating waste. The constant pressure drop
across the Technology observed during the last tow days of operation demonstrates that
the equipment was operating at a steady state.
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27
APPLICATIONS
CONVENTIONAL
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28
ISSUES IN CONVENTIONAL
PRODUCTION
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Maturing Assets
Increased water cut of maturing assets. PW is a bottleneck.
Processing more water and less oil.
Applications
Costs of water management. (Chemicals, heat, reinjection)
Conclusions
29
As conventional wells mature, the water-cut increases to a point where production is no

longer economically viable. Existing facilities are required to process more water and as
a result, overall oil production drops.
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29
CONVENTIONAL PRODUCTION
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Inlet Feed
FWKO
Crude to
Treater
Residence Time
Constant
Applications
Conclusions
PW to
Reinjection
30
Conventional facilities incorporate a primary separator which PW from the crude. The
crude may require additional conditioning in a treater to obtain the 0.5% BSW refinery
specification.
The PW is then sent to be re-injected into a disposal well or for EOR (Enhanced Oil
Recovery through PWRI).
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30
Young Asset
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Inlet Feed
100 BBLS
90% Crude
10% PW
FWKO
Crude to
Treater
Residence Time
Constant
99% Crude
1% PW
90
BBLS
Crude
Applications
Conclusions
PW to
Reinjection
10 BBLS
PW
100 ppm
OIW
31
In this hypothetical example for a new young asset, 100 BBLS of fluids with a water cut
of 10% are sent to a FWKO. In general terms, 10 BBLS of PW is processed with 90 BBLS
of crude. The FWKO has a constant value for size, volume and residence time.
www.torrcanada.com
31
Mature Asset
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Inlet Feed
100 BBLS
10% Crude
90% PW
FWKO
Crude to
Treater
Residence Time
Constant
99% Crude
1% PW
10
BBLS
Crude
Applications
Conclusions
Must Increase
Inlet Feed Here
PW to
Reinjection
90 BBLS
PW
To Increase
Crude
Production
Here
100 ppm
OIW
32
If we now look at a mature asset with a water cut of 90%, the economics of the well
changes drastically. For the same flow of 100 BBLS, 10 BBLS of crude is produced and
90 BBLS of water will be process for re-injection.
If the operator wants to increase the production of crude, they must increase the inlet
feed flow conditions. However, the design characteristics of the FWKO does not change
so the FWKO becomes the bottleneck due to the excess water.
In order to increase crude oil production, something has to give. It could be the water
content of the crude sent to the heater treater or it can be the oil content of the PW for reinjection.
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32
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
TORRBO Charge Your

Asset
Inlet Feed
200 BBLS
10% Crude
90% PW
FWKO
Residence Time
Constant
Crude to
Treater
20
BBLS
Crude
99% Crude
1% PW
TORR
Applications
Conclusions
PW to
Reinjection
Can Now
Increase Inlet
Feed Here
180 BBLS
PW
To Increase
Crude
Production
Here
10 ppm
OIW
33
By applying the TORR technology on the water side of the FWKO, the excess PW can
be de-oiled and processed at a much higher flow rate thus allowing for much higher inlet
feed flow rates. This in turn will increase crude oil production so that producers can take
advantage of healthy market conditions.
The TORR can de-oil PW with hydrocarbon concentrations of 2000 ppm. This changes
the dynamics of the residence time in the FWKO and allows for increased production.
The TORR adds an additional benefit of de-oiling the PW more efficiently so that
treated PW is less viscous and this results in less HP pumping requirements for the PW
re-injection part of the process. In effect, the TORR can TORR-BO charge the
FWKO to delivery more production.
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33
APPLICATIONS
O F F S H O R E / P W for
AGRICULTURE
A field trial for the testing of the performance of the technology in treating the produced
water on the semi submersible platform was conducted at the request of the facility
owner and operator. The offshore trial was to be conducted at two different locations.
These locations were slipstreams off the PW line downstream Hydrocyclone fed pumps
(directly upstream of the overboard discharge point) and downstream of the separator.
The trial allowed for the demonstration of the performance of the technology in terms of
oil recovery and lowering the produced water oil concentrations to levels meeting the
trial target of 15 mg/Litre Oil-in-Water or below. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
approved methods of oil-in-water analysis were conducted as a primary method for
measuring the inlet and outlet oil concentrations from the technology. Results showed
that the oil concentration removal efficiency across the technology was maintained at
levels around 93%.
The offshore platform produces an approximate 43 m3/hr (6500 BBL) of oil (API Gravity
37.6) and 430 m3/hr (65,000 BBL) of water per day. Production fluids come from several
wells through the production platform. Through the first part of the trial, the technology
was to treat the PW downstream of the hydrocyclone feed pumps (directly upstream of
the overboard discharge point). The Oil-in-Water concentration at that location is
expected to be around an average of 30 mg/L. The second part of the trial was to be
performed downstream of the separator (and upstream of the hydrocyclones), where the
PW effluent that is discharged overboard has an average Oil-in-Water of 80 mg/L
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34
OFFSHORE & OTHER ISSUES

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Offshore
Increased water cut of maturing assets. PW is a bottleneck.
Limited footprint to process excess PW.
Stricter over board discharge regulations.
Applications
PW for Other Uses (Agriculture)

Conclusions
Costs associated with desalination and purification.

Desalination and purification equipment do not tolerate nonsoluble hydrocarbons.
35
Polishing PW for offshore applications has similar parallels to initiatives for treating PW
onshore for agricultural or other uses. In offshore applications, PW must be polished to
meet and exceed stringent overboard discharge regulations.
When there is a wish to treat PW for agricultural uses, the PW must be de-salinated. Any
purifying technology that removes aqueous contaminants from water will not tolerate
non-soluble hydrocarbons in the feed stock. This is true for membrane technologies as
well as evaporators.
The following offshore site testing demonstrates the effectiveness of the technology for
polishing even under upset conditions.
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35
Offshore FPSO - PFD

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
36
A field trial for the testing of the performance of the technology in treating the produced
water on a FPSO (Floating Production, Supply and Offloading) vessel was recently
conducted in the North Sea. Seven days were allocated for the offshore trial that was
divided upon three test locations. These locations were slipstreams off the produced
water line downstream of two separate hydrocyclones (HC-1 and HC-2), and downstream
of a degasser unit. The trial allowed for the demonstration of the performance of the
technologys process in terms of oil recovery and lowering the PW oil concentrations to
levels meeting the OSPAR 2006 legislation requirements and a target of 6mg/Liter.
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36
Hydrocyclone #1
Presentation
Agenda
140
127. 7
130
Separation
Theory
133. 7
5. 5
120
106. 3
110
100
Technology
Operation
90
80
70
Applications
60
6
122. 6
5
4. 02
78. 1
3. 28
77. 1
2. 14
50
40
Conclusions
42
30
20
2. 21
1. 87
1. 28
I nl et Conc. (ppm)
10
Outl et Conc. (ppm)
1.02
2.87
0
4.12
5.08
7.04
8.98
12.8
TOTA L FLOW ( m3 )
37
The technologys field trial unit was first tested downstream of Hydro-Cyclone 1 (HC-1).
The produced water from this stream had a temperature of 65C and a crude oil API
density of 42.2. Chemicals injected upstream in the process included a demulsifier, a
scale inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor and low amounts of a defoamer. The average flow
rate through the technology process was 1.36 m/hr. Samples analyzed yielded the
results displayed in Figure 3. Average oil concentrations downstream of the HC-1and at
the inlet of the technologys process had a value of 98.2 ppm, while the effluent from the
technology had an average oil concentration of 2.9 ppm.
Large amounts of gas were observed in the fluid during the operation which required
constant purging to relieve gas. There was minimal pressure drop across bag filters due
to small amount of sand deposit. Separated oil was recovered from the trial unit. There
was minimal pressure drop across the two stages 0.14 kg/cm2 (~2psi).
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37
Inlet and Outlet Visual Samples

Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
Conclusions
38
This picture illustrates the visual samples of the feed from the Hydrocyclone #1 and the
outlet discharge of the treated water from the technology. The inlet shows a visible
stable reverse emulsion. The outlet discharge from the technology illustrates treated
water where the dispersed hydrocarbons have been drastically reduced.
For onshore applications where the PW will be de-salinated for other uses, which
feedstock will be best suited for the purification equipment? Non-soluble hydrocarbons
prematurely foul membranes resulting in downtime, backwashes and membrane
replacements. For evaporators, non-soluble hydrocarbons can decrease the heat
transfer efficiency.
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38
Hydrocyclone #2
Inlet C o nc. ( p p m)
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Out let C o nc. ( p p m)

900
16.5
843.8
18
825
16
750
Technology
Operation
675
600
14
677.7
514.2
525
Applications
10
450
375
190.1
300
Conclusions
12
5.6
225
150
3.9
75
4.2
16.79
17.22
4.3
2.3
129.7
15.02
4.5
18.28
19.71
101.4
21.55
101.2
22.12
T OT AL FLOW ( m3)
39
The technologys field trial unit was then tested downstream of Hydro-Cyclone 2 (HC-2)
without replacing the media cartridges from the previous trial. The produced water from
this stream also had a temperature of 65C and a crude oil API density of 31.8.
Chemicals injected upstream in this process line included a demulsifier, a scale inhibitor,
a corrosion inhibitor, a defoamer, and polymers. The average flow rate into the
technologys process unit was 1.21 m/hr with large amounts of gas separated and
recovered through the trial.
Average oil concentrations downstream of the HC-2 had a value of 313.4 ppm, while the
effluent from the technology had an average oil concentration of 4.2 ppm. It was
observed that the oil concentrations downstream of HC-2 fluctuated between 100 ppm
and 850 ppm. The technology maintained a steady performance with an effluent oil
concentration not exceeding 5.6 ppm. Figure 5 shows values of oil concentration at the
inlet and outlet of the technology unit for the described test. Mentioned surges in oil
concentration values can be observed along with the corresponding effluent
concentrations.
Large amounts of gas were observed in the fluid and required constant purging to relieve
gas. There were significant surges with the inlet flow. Large oil concentration upset
conditions were recorded at the start of test (>600 ppm). Free oil was existent in the inlet
water in the first part of the trial. There was minimal pressure drop across bag filters due
to small amount of solids deposit. There were large amounts of separated oil was
recovered from the trial unit. Minimal pressure drops were measured across the two
stages 0.21 kg/cm2 (~3psi).
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39
Degasser
Presentation
Agenda
50
45
Separation
Theory
42. 5
45. 5
40
47. 83
45. 32
48. 5
2. 8
30
35. 63
44. 2
42. 81
2. 8
35
Technology
Operation
3. 6
3.5
2. 6
2. 2
2. 5
Applications
3
2.5
1. 94
25
20
2
1. 81
1.5
15
Conclusions
10
I nl et Conc. ( ppm)
0.5
Out l et Conc. ( ppm)
22.43
24.09
25.98
0
28.2
30.22
32.55
35.38
38.1
T OT AL FLOW ( m3)
40
Figure 6 Inlet and Outlet Oil and Grease Measurements #3

The third location of the technologys trial was downstream of the degasser unit. The
degasser unit combined the two produced water treatment streams that have been
described above. The average fluid temperature was 60 C and the composition of
injected chemicals consisted of the residual mix of the connecting two streams. The
average flow rate through the technologys process unit was 1.54 m/hr.
Measured results of the analyzed produced water samples at the inlet and outlet of the
technology are displayed in Figure 6. Inlet concentration values fed to the technology
from downstream of the degasser unit were steady at around 44 ppm, while outlet
concentration values had an average of 2.6 ppm.
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40
CONCLUSIONS
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41
CONCLUSIONS
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Can adsorb, coalesce, desorb and recover dispersed OIW 2m and

larger.
Continuous oil separation and recovery.
Self cleaning with no backwash requirements.
Technology
Operation
Can recover oil with 0.5% BSW.

No moving parts.
Applications
Minimal maintenance and intervention required.

Chemicals not required to enhance oil removal efficiencies.
Conclusions
Additional heat not required to achieve favorable results.

Maintains performance during upset conditions.
Technology is effective in lowering hydrocarbon concentrations.
Reduces PW de-oiling process complexity.
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42
42
Potential Applications
Presentation
Agenda
Separation
Theory
Technology
Operation
Applications
SAGD
Efficient de-oiling before water softening process.
Conventional
De-bottlenecking PW in primary separation process to increase
oil production.
Efficient produced water de-oiling can reduce heater treater
fuel consumption.
Conclusions
Polishing
Offshore platforms to meet & exceed discharge regulations.
De-oiling stage before desalination. (PW for Agriculture)
43
Next Steps
TORR Canada Inc. have mobile site demonstration units that can be taken to various
locations.
We can deploy the TORR at a SAGD facility to prove the de-oiling capabilities and
demonstrate the potential of eliminating several de-oiling stages.
For conventional applications, the TORR can be utilized to demonstrate the capabilities
of increasing production.
For any initiatives involving treating PW for other uses such as agriculture, the TORR
can be applied as a very effective, reliable and stable de-oiling stage before the water
purification equipment.
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43
TORR Canada Inc.

100, 1039 17th Avenue S.W.
Suite #240
Calgary, Alberta
T2T 0B2
M.J. Plebon
Vice President Produced Water Applications
mplebon@torrcanada.com
www.torrcanada.com
44

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De-Oiling Produced Water

from Upstream Operations

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

3:1 Water/Oil Ratio Globally

10:1 Water/Oil Ratio for Mature Assets

Treatment of Produced Water

Offshore Discharge Regulations

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

= rise velocity of oil droplet

= acceleration due to gravity

= oil particle diameter

> Droplet >> Vr

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

SIZE DISTRIBUTION CURVE ANALYSIS

Droplet Size Distribution

On-line Video Imaging

Separation Principles of the

The technology operates on the principles of filtration, coalescence and gravity

General Layout of the Technology

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

Cut-Out of the Technology

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

Cartridge Layout Within the

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

Filtration & Adsorption Within the

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

Coalescence Within the Technology

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

Desorbtion Within the Technology

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

Oil Recovery Within the Technology

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

Technology Operating Parameters

Crude Oil Density: API 16 and Above

Oil Droplet Diameters > 2 m

Inlet Oil Concentrations up to 2,000 mg/L

P ~ 7 to 10 psig per Vessel

Technology Operating Parameters

99.97 Total Removal Efficiency

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

Measurements and analysis of the performance of a two-stage radial system on the

SAGD Bitumen Production Costs

OTSGs use natural gas expensive.

To have alternative choice of fuel, must change boiler.

To soften water more efficiently, must de-oil water more

PTAC 2006 Water Innovation in the Oil Patch Conference

SAGD Water De-Oiling Layout #1

CONRAD 2006 Water Usage Workshop & Seminar Fort McMurray

Analysis of Existing PW Treatment

C onc entration (ppm )

CONRAD 2006 Water Usage Workshop & Seminar Fort McMurray

Analysis of Existing PW Treatment

D C EL Pro cess W at er C haract er iz at io n ( F eb r uary 13 t h, 2 0 0 5)

CONRAD 2006 Water Usage Workshop & Seminar Fort McMurray

Online Real-Time Image

Online Real-Time Image

No Visible Oil or Solid

CONRAD 2006 Water Usage Workshop & Seminar Fort McMurray

CONRAD 2006 Water Usage Workshop & Seminar Fort McMurray

Oil & Solids Mass Balance Through

Inlet of first stage with

CONRAD 2006 Water Usage Workshop & Seminar Fort McMurray