chevron tech challenge
produced water – unlocking a
valuable natural resource
the produced water chevron tech challenge
Chevron is working with the U.S. Department of Energy to
find step-change solutions that can significantly decrease
produced water management costs through reduction or
elimination of waste streams.
what we’re looking for
A step change in technology
Chevron recognizes the value of water as a fundamental
societal, environmental and economic resource. In areas
like the Permian Basin, we work to reuse and recycle water
that is co-produced with oil and gas where feasible. The
balance of produced water is safely disposed through
subsurface injection.
We are looking for a comprehensive solution that includes
treatment, transport and final disposition. We envision the
best candidates will build, own and operate a full-service
solution that addresses the logistical, technical, regulatory
and commercial challenges associated with produced water
management. Solutions should target delivery of water
management services at prices in the range of $0.40–$0.75
per barrel.
Your proposal and our criteria
Our team will review all proposals based on criteria that
include per-barrel cost and reduction of waste streams.
Other considerations include modular/flexible technology
design as well as the ability to accommodate variable volume
and allow for recycling as needed.
what we’re offering
Opportunity and reward
We are offering the opportunity to display your creative skills
to solve a challenging industry problem.
A limited number of semifinalists will be invited to present
to and receive feedback from our panel of experts.
Up to three finalists will be selected; each finalist will:
(i) receive a $25,000 cash prize; (ii) be considered to
participate in a potential field trial at a Chevron facility and
(iii) be considered for participation in the CTV Catalyst
Program and/or to receive an equity investment.
about the chevron tech challenge
As a global energy company, Chevron is committed to
achieving differentiated performance through innovation.
The Chevron Tech Challenge program is focused on
identifying breakthrough technologies that can address
business needs and further Chevron’s commitment to
providing safe, affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy.
The Chevron Tech Challenge program is administered
by Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), which pursues
innovative business solutions and externally developed
emerging technologies that have the potential to improve
Chevron’s base business operations. CTV identifies, assesses,
and champions the deployment and adoption of proven
technologies across the enterprise.
disclaimer
Any information or material submitted to Chevron will be
treated as non-confidential. Any information submitted that
is marked confidential will not be considered or reviewed and
Chevron does not undertake any responsibility for
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Registration opens: July 10
Registrants receive
design specs, Q/A
clarification: July–September
Submission deadline: September 30
Semifinalists announced: October
Individual pitch session: October–November
Winners announced: January 2019
returning such confidential information or maintaining its
alleged confidentiality.
Solution providers will own or currently have the right to use
the intellectual property for the offered technology and will
assume responsibility for any permit requirements for the
proposed solution.
Information submitted will be used for evaluation purposes
only and will not be shared with anyone outside Chevron and
the U.S. Department of Energy. Submissions must comply
with all applicable laws, including but not limited to, export
control laws.
The decision to conduct a field trial will be at Chevron’s
sole discretion.
For more information about
Chevron’s Tech Challenge program, visit
http://chevron.com/techchallenge or contact
us at techchallenge@chevron.com.
design specifications

Feed stream specifications

Produced water streams vary by operating field. The below table presents two cases for total dissolved solids (TDS) content, which
describe typical produced water characteristics found in the Permian Basin. Among other selection criteria, candidate technologies will
be judged on their ability to treat produced water streams characteristic of either one or both cases.

Case 1 Case 2
Parameter Symbol Test Method
(mg/L) (mg/L)
Chloride Cl- IC 110,000 20,000
Bromide Br- IC 1,100 0
Iodide I- ICP-AES 50 0
2-
Sulfate SO4 IC 1,350 1,600
-
Total Alkalinity as HCO3 Titration 1,500 1,100
-
Bicarbonate as HCO3 Titration 1,000 700
Sodium Na ICP-AES 60,000 13,500
Potassium K ICP-AES 980 150
Calcium Ca ICP-AES 4,500 500
Magnesium Mg ICP-AES 700 90
Strontium Sr ICP-AES 450 80
Barium Ba ICP-AES 5 0
Iron Fe ICP-AES 75 15
Manganese Mn ICP-AES 1 0
Lithium Li ICP-AES 10 0
Aluminum Al ICP-AES 5 0
Silicon Si ICP-AES 15 0
Boron B ICP-AES 40 45
Phosphorus P ICP-AES 0 0
Zinc Zn ICP-AES 1 0
Sulfur (total) S ICP-AES 550 650
Hydrocarbon - - 50 50

Properties Case 1 Case 2

Field pH 5.00 5.00
Total Dissolved Solids 175,200 40,000
Density means (60oF, 1 bar) 1.12 1.03
Conductivity @ 25oC 180,000 60,000
Resistivity @ 25oC 0.06 0.02
oF oF
Inlet Temperature Range 100 – 140 100 – 140 oF
oF

(38 oC – 60 oC) (38 oC – 60 oC)

Energy Consumption Costs

Electricity $0.09/kWhr
Natural Gas $4.00/MMBtu

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Effluent for Recycle Criteria

Parameter Range
pH 5.5 – 7.5
Turbidity <20 NTU
Total Iron ≤ 0.5 mg/L
Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) ≥150 mV
Direct measure of residual oxidant specific to treatment technology
Direct measure of hydrocarbon presence No visible oil sheen – Non-detect analysis
per method EPA 1664.

Submission Deliverables
Any information submitted should contain only non-confidential material. Any information marked as confidential will not be considered.

Technical Deliverables Commercial Deliverables

Block flow diagram Equipment cost for 10,000 bbl/day unit

Material and Energy Balance Service charge for treatment of water ($/bbl)
Major Equipment List Scaleup plans (if applicable)
Equipment Plot Plan Business plan for marketing byproducts

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