Potential and implemented membrane-based technologies for the treatment and reuse of flowback and produced water from shale gas and oil plays: A review

• Published in: Desalination 2019-04, Vol.455, p.34-57
• Main Authors: Chang, Haiqing, Li, Tong, Liu, Baicang, Vidic, Radisav D., Elimelech, Menachem, Crittenden, John C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Flowback and produced water; Membrane technology; Shale gas; Shale oil; Water reuse
• ISSN: 0011-9164; 1873-4464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2019.01.001

Recovery of natural gas and oil from unconventional (shale) reservoirs relies on horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to make it economical. Hydraulic fracturing generates vast quantities of flowback and produced water (FPW) and its composition exhibits huge spatial and temporal variations among shale plays. This review focuses on the characteristics and management of wastewaters originating for oil and gas extraction. Wastewater characteristics, including the quantity and chemical composition of the FPW, are discussed. The future of unconventional oil and gas industry hinges on effective management of FPW. Membrane technologies have the potential to offer solutions to sustainable reuse of this water resource. The performance of a range of membrane processes is evaluated and compared. Emerging membrane-based technologies employed in similar fields are also discussed. The results in peer-reviewed publications could offer a guide for the selection of appropriate technologies based on the desired application. Membrane fouling, lack of pilot- and full-scale experience and high energy consumption are primary challenges for membrane applications in FPW. Then challenges and future research needs are addressed, advances in membrane materials, systematic analyses of organics and electric generation from salinity gradient are promising approaches to address the issues. [Display omitted] •Characteristics of shale oil & gas flowback and produced water (FPW) are evaluated.•Circos shows pollutant removals of membrane technology in FPW for the first time.•Potential membrane technologies for FPW treatment are critically reviewed.•Factors affecting the performance of membrane technologies are discussed.•Challenges and future research needs in membrane applications are compared.