Shell introduces innovative technology for water life cycle management in oil fields

Speaking at the 7th Gulf Water Conference, Dr Zara Khatib, Manager for Technology Deployment in Shell International Exploration and Production (E&P), said, "excess (produced) water is the largest byproduct in oil and gas production and the main criterion for abandoning oil and gas wells, leaving large volumes of hydrocarbons behind."

"The challenge of produced water is compounded by water being a valuable resource, especially in the largely arid oil-producing countries," she added.

"Shell has been developing and implementing alternative methods for turning produced water into a value proposition. Our solutions include the treatment of surface produced water, allowing for its use in the irrigation and cultivation of crops, as well as the desalination of aquifer and produced water, ultimately increasing the amount of water available,"

said Dr. Khatib, who has recently led Shell's team of experts in this area of research and technology deployment.

In addition to increasing water resources, optimization of produced water management in the reservoir improves recovery of hydrocarbons either by re-injecting the water in waterfloods or by supporting reservoir pressure.

"In maturing oil fields, as we find in the Gulf region, Shell has been tackling the challenge of increased water volumes by implementing integrated solutions from the reservoir to the end user, saving fresh water and potable aquifers, and enabling the sustainable development of fields," Dr Khatib said.

Hosted by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) from 19 to 23 November, the 7th Gulf Water Conference is sponsored by Kuwait Shell Limited as part of the company's commitment to sharing its knowledge, ideas and technology in its efforts to help reduce the environmental impact of oil and gas operations both in the Middle East and internationally.