Fluid Intelligence

Industry experience

Proven results in produced water treatment

A selection of anonymized projects across Western Canada's energy sector, with the outcomes that mattered to our clients. Client names are withheld to respect confidentiality.

2016

$2.1M

net savings vs. third-party

Flowback treated for frac reuse

The challenge

A client needed an economical way to treat roughly 100,000 m³ of flowback and produced water that had sat stagnant in a reservoir for about two years, so it could be reused and remain compatible with the fresh water source for an upcoming frac.

Our approach

We developed and supported field execution of a treatment strategy combining chemical treatment and fluid recirculation within the reservoir. H₂S liberation peaked above 2,000 ppm around the reservoir perimeter and was immediately scavenged with additional treatment. Scale inhibitor was pumped into the fresh water source to prevent commingling incompatibilities.

Results

  • Treated water quality exceeded expectations — no filtering required
  • Full treatment cost under $4/m³ vs. ~$25/m³ for third-party vendors
  • Net savings of roughly $2.1M by managing the project in-house
  • Field-executed in about two weeks

2018

<$4/m³

total treatment cost

Produced water reuse for EOR waterflooding

The challenge

A client required a strategy to treat roughly 800 m³/day of produced water from incompatible production so it was suitable for continuous injection into two different formations supporting enhanced oil recovery (EOR) waterflooding.

Our approach

We conducted a field assessment to determine the appropriate treatment approach, ran a technology assessment, and provided vendor engagement and procurement support for rental agreements. We supported field commissioning of the equipment and chemical treatment process, including on-site testing for treatment validation.

Results

  • Total CAPEX and OPEX achieved at under $4/m³ of water processed
  • One-year pilot project delivered end to end

2023

$0.31/m³

chemical treatment cost

Preserving disposal-well injectivity (Montney)

The challenge

A waste-disposal client needed to treat roughly 215 m³/day of produced water upstream of their disposal well. A produced-water stream from a Montney operator had reduced injectivity by 50% within 24 hours. The client needed a treatment that required no equipment modifications to preserve injectivity and reduce well workover frequency.

Our approach

We assessed the oil-laden (4,000 mg/L) and polymer-laden water, then worked with the client on a treatment application that required no additional equipment. We monitored the composition of trucked-in produced water against the composition upstream of the bag filters to validate performance and adjust dosing.

Results

  • Chemical treatment cost of approximately $0.31/m³
  • Kept the disposal facility online for about six months
  • No capital equipment modifications required

2024

In progress

NE British Columbia

Produced water reservoir odour mitigation

The challenge

A Montney operator received odour complaints from a nearby landowner shortly after the first fill of a new produced water reservoir. They needed a mitigation strategy for a wide range of non-sulfide nuisance odours.

Our approach

We conducted a field assessment to determine treatment options. The short-term recommendation uses perimeter fogging with engineered blends of essential oils — an effective air-phase treatment for controlling unwanted odours when paired with properly designed application methods.

Results

  • Estimated equipment and chemical cost of about $10k/month for a 110 m × 194 m pond
  • Engagement ongoing

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