Drag Reducing Agent Application in Produced Water Reuse: Improved Movement Efficiency with ESG Enhancement

Abstract In response to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, the oil and gas industry has broadly transitioned its efforts from using freshwater for hydraulic fracturing (frac) to using produced water for hydraulic fracturing whilst minimizing freshwater usage. However, the present infrastructure in place for movement of water to frac sites limits the volume of produced water that can be transferred in many situations. As infrastructure is not easily replaced, a polymer-based drag reducing agent (DRA) can chemically alter pipe friction to allow for use of existing infrastructure with minimal supplementation. Formulating a DRA with shear stability and chemical compatibility in produced water remains a significant obstacle and requires thoughtful consideration with use of specific chemistry. Our approach to addressing this challenge involves use of a widely known and accepted chemistry that is currently in broad use globally. Polyacrylamide polymers are used in many applications in municipal water treatment, industrial water treatment, in mining applications, in dust suppression applications, as hydration aids, as friction reducers, and as drag reducers. The broad use and availability of this chemistry makes it a great fit for application as a DRA. The paper will discuss our methodology and several case histories that demonstrate the feasibility of this application and the inherent benefits with regard to efficiency gains and ESG enhancement.