38 JUNE 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Developing Innovative Solutions for Produced Water Adapted from Information by the University of Tulsa In a remarkable achievement for the University of Tulsa and the energy industry as a whole, the College of Engineering & Computer Science has secured a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to create pioneering methods for the treatment and reuse of produced water (PW). This innovative initiative represents a major step forward in tackling one of the petroleum sector’s most critical issues, the management of PW, which is generated as a byproduct of horizontal gas and oil extraction. The emergence of horizontal drilling in the early 2000s was celebrated as a remarkable chance for the United States to attain energy autonomy. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicated that in 2004, horizontal wells contributed approximately 15% to the nation’s natural gas and crude oil output. Fast forward to 2018, and that figure surged to over 95%. However, a significant drawback of this drilling method is the generated produced water. Now, a team from the University of Tulsa is set to transform this previously regarded waste into an essential resource. Under the leadership of Principal Investigator Ram Mohan, Ph.D., and Professor of mechanical engineering, as well as Nagu Daraboina, Ph.D., Associate Professor of chemical engineering, the team is dedicated to mitigating the environmental effects of the staggering 24 billion barrels of PW generated each year in the United States. Their innovative strategy aims to address current challenges while paving the way for new avenues in water reuse, establishing a standard for both sustainability and economic growth. The research team is working on a system designed to rapidly and efficiently remove contaminants from PW, rendering it suitable for additional purification processes. After this initial cleaning, the water can undergo desalination using technology to eliminate salts and impurities, allowing it to be repurposed for various applications. As global freshwater resources face mounting challenges, reusing PW presents a crucial solution to alleviate water scarcity. In an era committed to sustainability, the capability to effectively clean and recycle PW not only minimizes environmental risks, it also enhances vital water systems across multiple sectors. Daraboina envisions a future where this technology can significantly impact industries beyond energy. “By transforming waste into a valuable resource, we can reduce the strain on freshwater resources while enabling water reuse in multiple industries,” he said. From wastewater purification in metropolitan areas to agricultural and industrial water reuse - and even potable water supplies - this project has the potential to make a lasting impact. This research leverages the groundbreaking compact separation technology developed at the University of Tulsa over the past 30 years. With over 9200 field applications around the globe, the university’s dedication to innovation in energy and sustainability remains a key driver in the evolution of environmental technology. The project, set to continue until March 2027, embodies a proactive strategy to address some of the most urgent challenges facing today’s energy and water management sectors. By merging advanced research with practical applications, Mohan, Daraboina, and their team are not only enhancing scientific understanding, they are also opening up new opportunities for industries across the world. WTR GET READY FOR A NEW SECTION IN WorldWide Drilling Resource®. SHHHH . . . It will be a great surprise!
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