APPLICATION OF MEMBRANE DISTILLATION TECHNOLOGY FOR DESALINATION OF THE WATER ASSOCIATED WITH THE OIL FIELDS PRODUCTION, SIRTE BASIN, LIBYA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to research the using of membrane distillation as a desalination technique for the produced water from oil fields. Evaluation of produced water characteristics is very important and essential for both environmental and reservoir management. Produced water is a very complex mixture and contains different compounds that can have negative impact on the environment and economic problems associated with oil and gas production. This study has evaluated the characterization properties of produced water in Sarir oil field. The evaluation included the analysis of physio-chemical parameters e.g. pH, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), cations and anions constituents. These parameters show a wide variation from well to another. This study has shown that some physico-chemical properties of produced water from Sarir “C” oil fields are higher than the stipulated regulatory limit for discharge into the environment. Total dissolved solids and some other parameters are still very high, continuous discharge of these produced water without adequate treatment will further damage our fragile environment. It is therefore recommended that adequate treatment, monitoring and re-use for irrigation or as industrial process water plan for produced water in the Sirt basin be put in place to ensure compliance with best global practices.