Abstract: A self-contained evaporation system for use in disposing of excess water from oil and gas drilling operations is provided. The system includes a water holding tank in which the wastewater is preheated, an evaporation chamber mounted over the holding tank and having an open top, a nozzle system located within the chamber for producing a fine liquid mist, and fans disposed within the chamber for producing an air flow that carries the mist out the open top of the chamber. The system can be set up and taken down by one person in an hour or less, can be used with pond or tank operations, and is capable of operating in high winds and sub-zero temperatures. The system can be carried and mounted on a trailer for easy transport to and from various drilling sites.

Abstract: A floating water evaporation system for use in disposing of excess water from oil and gas drilling operations is provided. One or more nozzle arrays float on the surface of a wastewater pond a distance away from the pond shoreline. Each nozzle array includes a series of upright risers that extend above a water reservoir tank. Spray nozzles are mounted on each riser. The water reservoir tank is mounted between floating pontoons that elevate the nozzles a distance above the surface of the pond. Water from the pond is pumped through the nozzles to create a patterned spray of small evaporable droplets.