Abstract: Processes and systems for treating concentrated brine are disclosed. One process comprises mixing a first concentrated brine containing silica with one or more silica-precipitating agents in a mixer and producing a first fluid comprising a first concentrated brine and precipitates of silica, passing the first fluid through a first filter device comprising a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane such that precipitates of silica are retained by the membrane and a silica precipitate-depleted fluid passes through the membrane and through an inlet of a second filter device comprising a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, a first fluid flow path defined between the inlet and first outlet, and a second fluid flow path defined between the inlet and the second outlet, a reverse osmosis membrane having an upstream surface and a downstream surface positioned within the housing across the first fluid flow path.

Abstract: An evaporation based method for generation of high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled produced water is processed through a high pH/high pressure evaporator driven by a commercial watertube boiler. The vapor produced by the evaporator is suitable for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method being utilized by heavy oil recovery installations, without the use of once through steam generators that require extensive chemical treatment, and without requiring atmospheric distillation, which requires high power consuming compressors. Evaporator blowdown may be further treated in a crystallizing evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system and, with most produced waters, at least 98% of the incoming produced water stream can be recovered in the form of high pressure steam.

Abstract: An evaporation based method for generation of high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled produced water is processed through a high pH/high pressure evaporator driven by a commercial watertube boiler. The vapor produced by the evaporator is suitable for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method being utilized by heavy oil recovery installations, without the use of once through steam generators that require extensive chemical treatment, and without requiring atmospheric distillation, which requires high power consuming compressors. Evaporator blowdown may be further treated in a crystallizing evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system and, with most produced waters, at least 98% of the incoming produced water stream can be recovered in the form of high pressure steam.