Bitumen extraction and treatment and reuse of process water

Produced water from gas and crude oil production is voluminous, requiring extensive treatment before it can be safely discharged or reused. This project has used a newly developed pressure-assisted ozonation technology to remove oil from water and prevent oil sheen at the water surface. The new process is based on heightened reactions of ozone and hydrocarbon molecules occurring at the gas-liquid interface of the microbubbles. The treated water contains biodegradable end products at low concentrations, making it possible for safe discharge to the environment or for various reuses. The new process is especially valuable for coastal discharge, as well as for energy development and water use in arid regions.