From 200 ppm iron to under 0.5.
Overview
A mid-major Texas oil & gas company sought to recycle produced water from wells and hydraulic fracturing operations, which contained high levels of silica, suspended particulates, and over 200 ppm of iron hydroxide, with TDS ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 ppm.
- Chemistry
- OC 360 with Caustic Soda pH adjustment
- Application
- Produced water recycling
- Location
- Texas
- Headline result
- < 0.5 ppm · TSS and soluble iron
The short version
- Problem
- A mid-major wanted to recycle produced water from wells and frac operations, but high silica, suspended solids, and iron made it unusable as-is.
- Water conditions
- Over 200 ppm iron hydroxide, high silica and suspended particulate, TDS 150,000–250,000 ppm.
- Shale Chem approach
- OC 360 at 80–100 ppm with caustic-soda pH adjustment (6.5 → 8.0–8.2), followed by filtration.
- Result
- TSS below 0.5 ppm and soluble iron below 0.5 ppm; suspended iron eliminated entirely.
- Operational value
- Ultra-clean, reusable water for hydraulic fracturing — lower disposal cost and a sustainable reuse loop.
From the bench
A mid-major Texas oil & gas company sought to recycle produced water from wells and hydraulic fracturing operations, which contained high levels of silica, suspended particulates, and over 200 ppm of iron hydroxide, with TDS ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 ppm.
OC 360 treatment parameters
- Dosage
- 80–100 ppm
- pH adjustment
- Caustic Soda (6.5 to 8.0–8.2)
- TSS results
- Below 0.5 ppm with filtration
- Iron results
- Soluble iron below 0.5 ppm; suspended iron eliminated entirely
Ultra-Clean Water
TSS below 0.5 ppm.
Iron Removal
Soluble and suspended iron minimized.
Low Dosage
Effective at 80–100 ppm.
Water Reuse
Safe recycling for oilfield operations.
Frequently asked
- What contaminants were present in the produced water?
- The water contained high levels of silica, suspended particulates, and over 200 ppm of iron hydroxide, with TDS between 150,000–250,000 ppm.
- How was OC 360 applied to treat the water?
- OC 360 was used with moderate pH adjustment using Caustic Soda (raising pH from 6.5 to 8.0–8.2) to optimize treatment performance.
- What were the results for TSS and iron levels?
- Total suspended solids (TSS) were reduced to below 0.5 ppm, and soluble iron was also reduced to below 0.5 ppm, with suspended iron completely eliminated.
- What dosage of OC 360 was required?
- Only 80–100 ppm of OC 360 was needed to achieve these results, demonstrating its efficiency at low use levels.
- Why is this important for oilfield operations?
- The treatment produces ultra-clean, reusable water, reducing disposal costs and supporting sustainable water recycling practices.
