Method and system for servicing a wellbore

A system for servicing a wellbore, comprising a water source, a first water stream from the water source comprising undissolved solids, dissolved organics and undissolved organics, the first water stream being introduced into a mobile electrocoagulation unit, a second water stream comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics and dissolved organics, the second water stream being emitted from the electrocoagulation unit and introduced into a mobile separation unit, a third water stream comprising dissolved organics, the third water stream being emitted from the separation unit, an ozone stream emitted from a mobile ozone generator and added to the third water stream comprising dissolved organics to form an ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics, the ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics being introduced into a mobile ultraviolet irradiation unit, a fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms, the fourth water stream being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and a wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid is formed using the fourth water stream, the wellbore servicing fluid being placed in the wellbore.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, [Attorney Docket No. HES 2010-IP-032554U1] entitled “Method and System for Servicing a Wellbore,” filed on the same date as the present application and incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the treatment of water used to produce wellbore servicing fluids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Suitable fluid supplies are sometimes required to prepare wellbore servicing fluids employed in the performance of various wellbore servicing operations. However, a fluid supply local to a wellbore may be abundant but nonetheless unusable due to the presence of bacteria or other non-beneficial microorganisms, undesirable organic compositions or combinations thereof in the fluid supply. For example, water extracted from a wellbore, such as produced water, surface water, and/or flowback water, may be unusable for wellbore servicing operations and/or for the preparation of wellbore servicing fluids due to the presence of undesirable microorganisms and/or organic compositions. Accordingly, there is a need for transforming such abundantly available but unusable fluids into fluids that are usable for preparing wellbore servicing fluids that may be employed in wellbore servicing operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore, comprising transporting a plurality of wellbore servicing equipment to a well site associated with the wellbore, accessing a water source to form a water stream from the water source to at least one of the plurality of wellbore servicing equipment, passing a direct electrical current through the water stream obtained from the water source to coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an undissolved organic phase in the water stream, separating the coalesced undissolved solid phase and the coalesced undissolved organic phase from the water stream to yield a substantially single-phase water stream, adding ozone to the substantially single-phase water stream to yield an ozonated water stream, irradiating the ozonated water stream with ultraviolet light to yield an irradiated water stream, forming a wellbore servicing fluid using the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.

Also disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore, comprising transporting wellbore servicing equipment to a well site associated with the wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing equipment comprises a mobile electrocoagulation unit, a mobile separation unit, a mobile ozone generator and a mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit, accessing a water source, introducing a water stream obtained from the water source into the mobile electrocoagulation unit, in the electrocoagulation unit, passing a direct electrical current through the water stream obtained from the water source to coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an undissolved organic phase in the water stream to form a coalesced undissolved solid phase and a coalesced undissolved organic phase, separating the coalesced undissolved solid phase and the coalesced undissolved organic phase from the water stream in the mobile separation unit to yield a substantially single-phase water stream, introducing ozone produced in the mobile ozone generator into the substantially single-phase water stream to form an ozonated water stream, exposing the ozonated water stream to ultraviolet light in the mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit to yield an irradiated water stream, forming a wellbore servicing fluid using the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.

Further disclosed herein is a system for servicing a wellbore, comprising a water source, a first water stream from the water source comprising undissolved solids, dissolved organics and undissolved organics, the first water stream being introduced into a mobile electrocoagulation unit, a second water stream comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics and dissolved organics, the second water stream being emitted from the electrocoagulation unit and introduced into a mobile separation unit, a third water stream comprising dissolved organics, the third water stream being emitted from the separation unit, an ozone stream emitted from a mobile ozone generator and added to the third water stream comprising dissolved organics to form an ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics, the ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics being introduced into a mobile ultraviolet irradiation unit, a fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms, the fourth water stream being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and a wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid is formed using the fourth water stream, the wellbore servicing fluid being placed in the wellbore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic view of a wellbore and wellbore servicing system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic view of a wellbore servicing system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic view of a fluid treatment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed assemblies and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” Reference to up or down will be made for purposes of description with “up,” “upper,” “upward,” or “upstream” meaning toward the surface of the wellbore and with “down,” “lower,” “downward,” or “downstream” meaning toward the terminal end of the well, regardless of the wellbore orientation. The various characteristics mentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art with the aid of this disclosure upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Relatively large amounts of water may be needed for the preparation of wellbore servicing fluids such as fracturing fluids. Common water sources used for preparing wellbore servicing fluids include water co-produced in the production of oil and gas, hereinafter referred to as produced water, surface water, and municipal water. Water obtained from any such sources may contain various contaminants such as dissolved and/or entrained organics, particulate material, microorganisms, or combinations thereof. For example, produced water may contain dissolved and entrained organic materials such as oil and gas residing in a subterranean formation or flowback from wellbore servicing fluids pumped into a wellbore. As such, produced water may contain paraffins, aromatics, resins, asphaltenes, or combinations thereof as dissolved components or as a separate phase. In addition, produced water may contain suspended particulates. Similarly, for example, surface water, may contain suspended particulates and/or a separate organic phase. Furthermore, any of the above-mentioned water sources may include bacteria and other microorganisms. A fluid that contains oxidizable organic contaminants such as those discussed above may adversely affect the intended function of the fluid and/or render the fluid unusable for use in wellbore servicing operations and/or for use in producing a wellbore servicing fluid. In addition, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,094, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, polymer present in gelling agents that are utilized in fracturing applications may serve as a food source for any bacteria present in a fracturing fluid or the base water of the fluid. Therefore, the presence of bacteria in water used to prepare a fracturing fluid may eventually destroy the gel and negatively impact the results obtained from a fracturing operation.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a wellbore servicing system 110. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the wellbore servicing system 110 is deployed at a wellsite 100 and is fluidly coupled to a wellbore 120. The wellbore 120 penetrates a subterranean formation 130 for the purpose of recovering hydrocarbons, storing hydrocarbons, disposing of carbon dioxide, or the like. The wellbore 120 may be drilled into the subterranean formation 130 using any suitable drilling technique. In an embodiment, a drilling or servicing rig may comprise a derrick with a rig floor through which a pipe string 140 (e.g., a drill string, segmented tubing, coiled tubing, etc.) may be lowered into the wellbore 120. A wellbore servicing apparatus 150 configured for one or more wellbore servicing operations may be integrated within the pipe string 140. Additional downhole tools may be included with or integrated within the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 and/or the pipe string 140, for example, one or more isolation devices (for example, a packer, such as a swellable or mechanical packer).

The drilling or servicing rig may be conventional and may comprise a motor driven winch and other associated equipment for lowering the pipe string 140 and/or wellbore servicing apparatus 150 into the wellbore 120. Alternatively, a mobile workover rig, a wellbore servicing unit (e.g., coiled tubing units), or the like may be used to lower the pipe string 140 and/or wellbore servicing apparatus 150 into the wellbore 120.

The wellbore 120 may extend substantially vertically away from the earth's surface 160 over a vertical wellbore portion, or may deviate at any angle from the earth's surface 160 over a deviated or horizontal wellbore portion. Alternatively, portions or substantially all of the wellbore 120 may be vertical, deviated, horizontal, and/or curved. In some instances, a portion of the pipe string 140 may be secured into position within the wellbore 120 in a conventional manner using cement 170; alternatively, the pipe string 140 may be partially cemented in wellbore 120; alternatively, the pipe string 140 may be uncemented in the wellbore 120. In an embodiment, the pipe string 140 may comprise two or more concentrically positioned strings of pipe (e.g., a first pipe string such as jointed pipe or coiled tubing may be positioned within a second pipe string such as casing cemented within the wellbore). It is noted that although one or more of the figures may exemplify a given operating environment, the principles of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed may be similarly applicable in other operational environments, such as offshore and/or subsea wellbore applications.

In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing system 110 may be coupled to a wellhead 180 via a conduit 190, and the wellhead 180 may be connected to the pipe string 140. In various embodiments, the pipe string 140 may comprise a casing string, a liner, a production tubing, coiled tubing, a drilling string, the like, or combinations thereof. The pipe string 140 may extend from the earth's surface 160 downward within the wellbore 120 to a predetermined or desirable depth, for example, such that the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 is positioned substantially proximate to a portion of the subterranean formation 130 to be serviced (e.g., into which a fracture is to be introduced). Arrows 200 indicate a route of fluid communication from the wellbore servicing system 110 to the wellhead 180 via conduit 190, from the wellhead 180 to the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 via pipe string 140, and from the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 into the subterranean formation 130. The wellbore servicing apparatus 150 may be configured to perform one or more servicing operations, for example, fracturing the formation 130, hydrajetting and/or perforating casing (when present) and/or the formation 130, expanding or extending a fluid path through or into the subterranean formation 130, producing hydrocarbons from the formation 130, or other servicing operation. In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 may comprise one or more ports, apertures, nozzles, jets, windows, or combinations thereof for the communication of fluid from a flowbore of the pipe string 140 to the subterranean formation 130. In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 comprises a housing comprising a plurality of housing ports, a sleeve being movable with respect to the housing, the sleeve comprising a plurality of sleeve ports, the plurality of housing ports being selectively alignable with the plurality of sleeve ports to provide a fluid flow path 200 from the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 to the wellbore 120, the subterranean formation 130, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing apparatus 150 may be configurable for the performance of multiple servicing operations.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the wellbore servicing system 110. In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing system generally comprises a fluid treatment system 210, a water source 220, one or more storage vessels (such as storage vessels 230, 300, 310, and 320) a blender 240, a wellbore services manifold trailer 250, and one or more high pressure (HP) pumps 270. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the fluid treatment system 210 obtains water, either directly or indirectly, from water source 220. Water from the fluid treatment system 210 is introduced, either directly or indirectly, into the blender 240 where the water is mixed with various other components and/or additives to form the wellbore servicing fluid. The wellbore servicing fluid is introduced into the wellbore services manifold trailer 250, which is in fluid communication with the one or more HP pumps, and then introduced into the conduit 190. As will be described herein, the fluid communication between two or more components of the wellbore servicing system 110 and/or the fluid treatment system 210 may be provided any suitable flowline or conduit. Persons of ordinary skill in the art with the aid of this disclosure will appreciate that the flowlines described herein may include various configurations of piping, tubing, etc. that are fluidly connected, for example, via flanges, collars, welds, etc. These flowlines may include various configurations of pipe tees, elbows, and the like. These flowlines fluidly connect the various wellbore servicing fluid process equipment described herein.

In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing system may be configured for initiating, forming, or extending a fracture into a hydrocarbon-bearing formation (such as subterranean formation 130 or a portion thereof). In fracturing operations, wellbore servicing fluids, such as particle (e.g., proppant) laden fluids, are pumped at a relatively high-pressure into the wellbore 120. The particle laden fluids may then be introduced into a portion of the subterranean formation 130 at a pressure and velocity sufficient to cut and/or abrade a casing and/or initiate, create, or extend perforation tunnels and/or fractures within the subterranean formation 130. Proppants (e.g., grains of sand, glass beads, shells, ceramic particles, etc.,) may be mixed with the wellbore servicing fluid to keep the fractures open so that hydrocarbons may be produced from the subterranean formation 130 and flow into the wellbore 120. Hydraulic fracturing may create high-conductivity fluid communication between the wellbore 120 and the subterranean formation 130.

In an embodiment, the water source 220 may comprise produced water, flowback water, surface water, a water well, potable water, municipal water, or combinations there. For example, in an embodiment the water obtained from the water source 220 may comprise produced water that has been extracted from the wellbore 120 while producing hydrocarbons from the wellbore 120. As discussed above, produced water may comprise dissolved and/or entrained organic materials, salts, minerals, clays, paraffins, aromatics, resins, asphaltenes, and/or other natural or synthetic constituents that are displaced from a hydrocarbon formation during the production of the hydrocarbons or a wellbore servicing operation. In an embodiment, water obtained from the water source 220 may comprise flowback water, for example, water that has previously been introduced into the wellbore 120 during a wellbore servicing operation and subsequently flowed back or returned to the surface. In addition, the flowback water may comprise hydrocarbons, gelling agents, friction reducers, surfactants and/or remnants of wellbore servicing fluids previously introduced into the wellbore 120 during wellbore servicing operations.

In an embodiment, water obtained from the water source 220 may further comprise local surface water contained in natural and/or manmade water features (such as ditches, ponds, rivers, lakes, oceans, etc.). Further, water obtained from the water source 220 may comprise water obtained from water wells or a municipal source. Still further, water obtained from the water source 220 may comprise water stored in local or remote containers. Water obtained from the water source 220 may comprise water that originated from near the wellbore 120 and/or may be water that has been transported to an area near the wellbore 120 from any distance. In some embodiments, water obtained from the water source 220 may comprise any combination of produced water, flowback water, local surface water, and/or container stored water.

In an embodiment, the water from water source 220 may be temporarily stored in an untreated water storage vessel 230 prior to being pumped to fluid treatment system 210; alternatively, the water may be introduced directly from the source into the fluid treatment system 210. In an embodiment, the fluid treatment system 210, as will be discussed herein below with reference to FIG. 3, may be configured to treat water obtained from a water source 220 in order to render the water suitable for preparing a wellbore servicing fluid and/or utilization in a wellbore servicing operation. In an embodiment, after treatment via the fluid treatment system 210, the water may introduced via a conduit 332 into an intermediate storage vessel 310 for treated water; alternatively, the water may be routed to one or more other components of the wellbore servicing system 110.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the water may be introduced into the blender 240 from the intermediate storage vessel 310 via flowline 340; alternatively, the water may be introduced into the blender 240 directly from the fluid treatment system 210. In an embodiment, the blender 240 may be configured to mix solid and fluid components to form a well-blended wellbore servicing fluid. As depicted, sand or proppant from a storage vessel 300, treated water from intermediate storage vessel 310, and additives from a storage vessel 320 may be fed into the blender 240 via feedlines 330, 340 and 350, respectively. Alternatively, water treated by fluid treatment system may be fed directly into blender 240. In this embodiment, the blender 240 may be an Advanced Dry Polymer (ADP) blender and the additives may be dry blended and dry fed into the blender 240. In alternative embodiments, however, additives may be pre-blended with water, for example, using a GEL PRO blender, which is a commercially available from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., to form a liquid gel concentrate that may be fed into the blender 240. The mixing conditions of the blender 240, including time period, agitation method, pressure, and temperature of the blender 240, may be chosen by one of ordinary skill in the art with the aid of this disclosure to produce a homogeneous blend having a desirable composition, density, and viscosity. In alternative embodiments, however, sand or proppant, water, and additives may be premixed and/or stored in a storage tank before entering the wellbore services manifold trailer 250. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the blender 240 is in fluid communication with a wellbore services manifold trailer 250 via a flowline 260.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the wellbore servicing fluid may be introduced into the wellbore services manifold trailer from the blender 240 via flowline 260. As used herein, the term “wellbore services manifold trailer” may include a truck and/or trailer comprising one or more manifolds for receiving, organizing, and/or distributing wellbore servicing fluids during wellbore servicing operations. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2, the wellbore services manifold trailer 250 is coupled to eight high pressure (HP) pumps 270 via outlet flowlines 280 and inlet flowlines 290. In alternative embodiments, however, there may be more or fewer HP pumps used in a wellbore servicing operation. The HP pumps 270 may comprise any suitable type of high pressure pump, a nonlimiting example of which is a positive displacement pump. Outlet flowlines 280 are outlet lines from the wellbore services manifold trailer 250 that supply fluid to the HP pumps 270. Inlet flowlines 290 are inlet lines from the HP pumps 270 that supply fluid to the wellbore services manifold trailer 250. In an embodiment, the HP pumps 270 may be configured to pressurize the wellbore servicing fluid to a pressure suitable for delivery into the wellhead 180. For example, the HP pumps 270 may increase the pressure of the wellbore servicing fluid to a pressure of about 10,000 p.s.i., alternatively, about 15,000 p.s.i., alternatively, about 20,000 p.s.i. or higher.

From the HP pumps 270, the wellbore servicing fluid may reenter the wellbore services manifold trailer 250 via inlet flowlines 290 and be combined so that the wellbore servicing fluid may have a total fluid flow rate that exits from the wellbore services manifold trailer 250 through flowline 190 to the wellbore 120 of between about 1 BPM to about 200 BPM, alternatively from between about 50 BPM to about 150 BPM, alternatively about 100 BPM.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the fluid treatment system 210. In an embodiment, water treated in fluid treatment system 210 may be rendered suitable for use in preparing a wellbore servicing fluid, for example, a fracturing fluid. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the fluid treatment system 210 may generally comprise an electrocoagulation unit 360, a separation unit 370, an ozone generator 380, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 390.

In an embodiment, the electrocoagulation unit 360, the separation unit 370, the ozone generator 380 and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may be configured to be mobile and may be situated on a common structural support, alternatively multiple, separate structural supports. Examples of a suitable structural support or supports for these units may include a trailer, truck, skid, barge or combinations thereof.

As discussed above, water obtained from the water source 220 may comprise produced water, surface water, municipal water, or combinations thereof containing various contaminants such as dissolved and/or entrained organics, particulate material, microorganisms, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the fluid treatment system 210 may be configured to substantially remove undissolved constituents from the water, oxidize dissolved organic constituents remaining in the water, and/or destroy or inactivate microorganisms in the water.

Water that contains various contaminants such as those mentioned above may adversely affect the intended function of the fluid and/or render the fluid unusable in wellbore servicing operations and/or unusable in producing a wellbore servicing fluid. Thus, the fluid treatment system should be designed to substantially eliminate or at least substantially reduce, inter alia, the amount of unoxidized organic contaminants, particulate material, and/or active microorganisms, in a feed stream such as water from water source 220.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, an untreated water stream 392 may be introduced into the electrocoagulation unit 360 via a conduit 440. In an embodiment, a first nephelometer 450 may be situated upstream from the electrocoagulation unit 360. The electrocoagulation unit 360 may be configured to precipitate and/or coalesce metallic ions, organic colloids, inorganic colloids, combinations thereof, or a portion thereof from an untreated water stream such as untreated stream 392. In an embodiment, the electrocoagulation unit 360 may comprise a housing, in which one or more pairs of metallic plate electrodes are mounted in parallel. In an additional embodiment, the electrocoagulation unit may further comprise a direct current power source for applying a direct current voltage across the plate electrodes and a device for regulating a current density between the pairs of plate electrodes. The electrodes may be made of a suitable electrically conductive material. Nonlimiting examples of a suitable electrically conductive material include iron, aluminum, titanium, graphite, steel, and alloys or combinations thereof. In addition, the electrocoagulation unit 360 may further comprise a fluid inlet through which a fluid may be introduced into the housing and a fluid outlet through which treated fluid may be expelled. In the housing, the untreated water stream may be flowed between and past the pairs of electrodes while exposed to the direct current voltage across the plate electrodes. Not seeking to be bound by theory, application of a voltage to the electrodes may cause metal from a negative electrode of a given electrode pair to ionize and enter into the untreated water stream flowing through the housing. The newly formed metal ions may react with contaminants in the fluid, causing such contaminants or a portion thereof to be precipitated and/or coalesced from the fluid. The electrocoagulation unit 360 may be sized to treat a suitable volume of fluid (e.g., untreated water), for example, the electrocoagulation unit may be configured for the treatment of from about 100 gal/min to 2,000 gal/min, alternatively, from about 150 gal/min to about 1,000 gal/min. In an embodiment, more than one electrocoagulation unit may be operated in parallel and configured to correspondingly increase treatment flow rates.

In an embodiment, the turbidity of a stream (e.g., a water stream) may affect the efficacy of one or more components of the fluid treatment system 210, for example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 (as will be discussed herein below in greater detail). A method to measure water turbidity may be found in EPA publication, Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, as Method 180.1, “Determination of Turbidity by Nephelometry.” In an embodiment, an untreated water stream such as untreated water stream 392 may be characterized as having a first turbidity (e.g., as measured by the first nephelometer 450), measured in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), of greater than 40 NTU, alternatively greater than 45 NTU, and alternatively greater than 50 NTU prior to treatment in the electrocoagulation unit 360. As the untreated water stream 392 passes through the electrocoagulation unit 360, a direct electrical current may be passed through the water. Not seeking to be bound by theory, in an embodiment, passing the direct electrical current through the water may coalesce a portion of any undissolved solids and undissolved organics in the untreated water stream. In an embodiment, treatment of the untreated water stream 392 may yield a water stream comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics, and dissolved organics 393.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the water stream comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics, and dissolved organics 393 may be introduced into the separation unit 370 via conduit 460. In an embodiment, the separation unit 370 may be configured to remove at least a portion of undissolved solids and undissolved organics coalesced by the electrocoagulation unit 360 from a water stream such as water stream 393. In an embodiment, the separation unit 370 may comprise one or more suitable filters, nonlimiting examples of which include a column filter, a membrane filter, a sand filter, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the separation unit 370 may comprise any separation device recognized by one skilled in the art as utilizable for separating undissolved and/or suspended solids from a liquid. For example, the separation unit 370 may comprise a centrifuge separator or a hydrocyclone separator. In an embodiment, the one or more filters may have a pore size ranging from about 0.01 microns to about 50 microns. The pore size of the filter(s) may be chosen based on the type and amounts of the contaminants in the water stream 392, as well as parameters of the electrocoagulation unit 360. In an embodiment, the separation unit 370 may be operated at a pressure ranging from about 20 psi to about 150 psi, alternatively, from about 20 psi to about 80 psi to facilitate the movement of water stream 393 through the filters. In an embodiment, a second nephelometer 462 may be situated downstream from the separation unit 370 and upstream from an ozone inlet 420 (as will be discussed herein below) to measure the turbidity of the water exiting the separation unit.

In an embodiment, treatment of a water stream (e.g., water stream 393) via the separation unit 370 may remove at least a portion of undissolved solids and undissolved organics coalesced by the electrocoagulation unit 360 from the water stream 393 to yield a substantially single phase water stream 394. For example, the separation unit 370 may remove approximately 50% to 100% of the undissolved solids from the water stream 393, and approximately 50% to 100% of the undissolved organics from the water stream 393. In addition, the substantially single phase water stream 394 exiting the separation unit may comprise dissolved organics, as well as bacteria and other microorganisms that pass through the filters of the separation unit 370.

In an embodiment, the substantially single-phase water stream 394 may be characterized as having a second turbidity of less than 50 NTU, alternatively less than 45 NTU, alternatively less than 40 NTU following treatment in the separation unit 370. In addition, a controller may be in signal communication with one or more of nephelometers 450 and 462 and may monitor the first turbidity, the second turbidity or both and adjust the voltage applied to the electrocoagulation unit 360 as a function of either or both. For example, if the first turbidity upstream from the electrocoagulation unit 360 is greater than 50 NTU by a certain threshold value, then the current may be increased so as to more effectively coagulate the undissolved solids and organics in the water stream. In addition, if the second turbidity measured downstream from the separation unit 370 is greater than or equal to 50 NTU or less than 50 NTU by an amount deemed insufficient for processes downstream from the separation unit 370, then the current may be increased. However, if the high second turbidity reading is deemed by a controller (e.g., the same or a different controller) as being caused by a clogged or damaged separation element, e.g., a clogged or damaged filter, in the separation unit 370, then the second controller may cause the water stream passing through conduit 460 and into the separation unit 370 to be redirected through a redundant separation element in the separation unit 370, so that the clogged or damaged separation element can be replaced while the fluid treatment system 210 continues to operate. Similarly, if the first or second or both turbidity readings meet a desired set point or threshold value (e.g., a turbidity reading of less than 50 NTU), then the controller may decrease the voltage in the electrocoagulation unit 360, so as to attain a desired second turbidity reading with decreased power consumption of the electrocoagulation unit 360. In an embodiment, the efficiency of ozone treatment of a fluid and/or ultraviolet irradiation of a fluid may be improved by prior electrocoagulation, for example, in electrocoagulation unit 360. Not seeking to be bound by theory, undissolved particulate matter in a fluid stream may cause light scattering, thereby decreasing the efficiency of an ozone treatment and/or ultraviolet irradiation treatment of a fluid. Electrocoagulation may remove at least a portion of such undissolved particulate matter, thereby improving the efficiency of a subsequent ozone treatment and/or ultraviolet irradiation treatment.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the substantially single-phase water stream 394 may be routed toward a first ozone inlet 420 via conduit 470 where ozone may be introduced via conduit 480 into the substantially single-phase water stream 394. The first ozone inlet 420 may allow for the water stream 394 to be combined with a first ozone stream 472 produced by ozone generator 380.

In an embodiment, the ozone generator 380 may comprise one or more units. In an embodiment, an ozone production capacity of an ozone generator unit may range between about 500 g/h and about 10,000 g/h, an amount of ozone in the exhaust gas may range from about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight. An example of a suitable commercial ozone generator having ozone production capacities within these ranges is available from Pinnacle Ozone Solutions in Cocoa, Fla.

In an embodiment, the ozone stream 472 may be introduced into the substantially single-phase water stream 394 at ozone inlet 420 via any suitable method or device, for example, the ozone stream 472 may be sparged into the water stream 394 to promote dissolution of ozone into the water stream 394. Ozone from the ozone stream 472 may be mixed with the water stream 394 at a ratio of from about 1 mg O3/L H2O to about 100 mg O3/L H2O, alternatively from about 2 mg O3/L H2O to about 50 mg O3/L H2O, alternatively from about 5 mg O3/L H2O to about 20 mg O3/L H2O. In an embodiment, introduction of the ozone stream 472 into water stream 394 may yield an ozonated water stream 395. Not seeking to be bound by theory, the presence of ozone in water stream 395 may oxidize at least a portion of dissolved organics and microorganisms present in the ozonated water stream 395.

In an embodiment, the pH of the one or more streams may be monitored. For example, in an embodiment the pH of the substantially single-phase water stream 394 may be monitored prior to introduction of ozone (e.g., upstream from the ozone inlet 420) and the pH of ozonated water stream 395 may be monitored after the introduction of ozone (e.g., downstream from the ozone inlet 420). In addition, the pH of the substantially single-phase water stream 394 may be compared with the pH of ozonated water stream 395. In such an embodiment, if the change in pH of the stream before the introduction of ozone as compared to the pH of the stream is at least about 0.5 pH units, alternatively, at least about 1.0 pH unit, alternatively, at least about 1.5 pH units, the pH of the stream may be adjusted (e.g., via the introduction of various basic and/or acidic compositions, as may be appreciated by one of skill in the art with the aid of this disclosure).

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first ozonated water stream 395 may be introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390. In an embodiment, the ozonated water stream 395 may be directed through a suitable fluid mixer 490 prior to introduction into the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 to further promote dissolution and/or dissipation of ozone in the first ozonated water stream 395 and reaction of the ozone with residual contaminants in the first ozonated water stream 395. The fluid mixer 490 may induce turbulent mixing of the ozonated water stream 395. Nonlimiting examples of a suitable fluid mixer include a so-called “plate mixer” or other suitable static in-line mixer configurations.

The ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may be configured to expose a water stream or a portion thereof to ultraviolet radiation. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may comprise one or more ultraviolet lamps that may emit ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of about 180 nm to about 280 nm, alternatively about 240 nm to about 280 nm, alternatively about 254 nm. In an embodiment, such an ultraviolet lamp may be capable of emitting ultraviolet light at a dosage of at least about 200 μW·s/cm2, alternatively at least about 400 μW·s/cm2, alternatively at least about 1,500 μW·s/cm2.

In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may comprise one or more irradiation chambers with each irradiation chamber comprising a set of one or more ultraviolet lamps that may emit ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of about 180 nm to about 280 nm, alternatively about 240 nm to about 280 nm, alternatively about 254 nm. In such an embodiment, the ozone stream 472 may be partitioned to inject ozone into the water stream immediately upstream of each irradiation chamber. In such an embodiment, one or more fluid mixers may be placed in the ozonated water streams downstream from each ozone injection point, for example, to induce turbulent mixing of the ozonated water stream.

In an embodiment, the ozonated water stream 395 is flowed through the ultraviolet irradiation unit. Not seeking to be bound by theory, treatment with ozone and ultraviolet radiation may act synergistically to increase the oxidative effect of the ozone present in the ozonated water stream 395. For example, treatment with ozone and ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may increase the oxidative effect of the ozone by a factor of approximately 100, not intending to be bound by theory, by increasing the concentration of hydroxyl radicals in the water. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation may kill, sterilize and/or inactivate microorganisms present in the ozonated water stream 395. In an embodiment, treatment with ozone and ultraviolet radiation in the ultraviolet irradiation unit 390 may yield a water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms 396, alternatively, a substantially undissolved solids-free, substantially organics-free, substantially active microorganism-free water stream, alternatively, a water stream that is substantially non-reactive with respect to oxidizing species. Ultraviolet irradiation units, for example, as may be employed in hydrocarbon industry servicing fluids, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,094 issued to Abney, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,678,744 issued to Abney, et. al., the relevant disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms 396 may be directed toward a second ozone inlet 430 via conduit 500 where ozone may be introduced via second ozone conduit 510. The second ozone inlet 430 may allow the water stream 396 to be combined with a second ozone stream 502, which may be produced by the ozone generator 380, alternatively, a second ozone generator like ozone generator 380.

In an embodiment, introduction of the second ozone stream 502 into the water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms 396 via any suitable method or device, for example, the second ozone stream 502 may be sparged into water stream 396 to promote dissolution and/or dissipation of ozone into the water stream 394. Ozone from the second ozone stream 502 may be mixed with the water stream 396 about 1 mg O3/L H2O to about 100 mg O3/L H2O, alternatively from about 2 mg O3/L H2O to about 50 mg O3/L H2O, alternatively from about 5 mg O3/L H2O to about 20 mg O3/L H2O. In an embodiment, introduction of the second ozone stream 502 into the water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms 396 may yield a second ozonated water stream 397.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second ozonated water stream 397 may be directed through a suitable fluid mixer 520 to further promote dissolution of ozone in the water of water stream 397 and reaction of the ozone with residual contaminants in the water stream 397. Not seeking to be bound by theory, the additional ozone provided to water stream 396 by second ozone stream 502 may serve to reduce the amount of residual organics and residual active microorganisms in water stream 397. In an embodiment, a filter and/or filtration system may be used to remove residual undissolved microorganisms or other undissolved residual materials from discharge from the fluid treatment system 210. A treated water stream 397 is discharged from fluid treatment system 210.

One measure of an effectiveness of a fluid treatment system like fluid treatment system 210 may be a reduction in a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a fluid treated by system 210. As used herein, COD refers to the amount of organic pollutants found in water. Not seeking to be bound by theory, because nearly all organic compounds can be fully oxidized to carbon dioxide with a strong oxidizing agent under acidic conditions, the capacity of an aqueous solution to consume oxygen by oxidation of dissolved organic and inorganic components may be employed as a measure of water quality.

In an embodiment, wellbore servicing fluids, such as fracturing fluids, may comprise a gelling agent, for example, to increase the viscosity of the fluid to facilitate proppant transport. When the proppant has been placed (e.g., within the wellbore), a breaker may be contacted with the fluid to reduce its viscosity, for example, by a reaction between the gelling agent with the breaker. Nonlimiting examples of such breakers include oxidizing agents such as sodium peroxydisulfate and sodium chlorite. Not intending to be bound by theory, the presence of readily-oxidizable components in water, for example, as may be measured by the COD, may adversely and significantly affect the performance of such oxidizing breakers. In addition, some biocides may be oxidizing agents. For example, sodium hypochlorite is a commonly used biocide that functions as an oxidizing agent. Not intending to be bound by theory, the presence of readily-oxidizable components may likewise significantly affect the effectiveness of such oxidizing biocides or render such oxidizing biocides completely ineffective.

In an embodiment, water resulting from treatment in a fluid treatment system (e.g., treated stream 397) such as fluid treatment system 210 may be characterized as having a COD reduced by at least 30%, alternatively, at least 40%, alternatively at least 50% as compared to an untreated but otherwise similar water stream (e.g., stream 392). In an embodiment, water resulting from treatment in a fluid treatment system (e.g., treated stream 397) such as fluid treatment system 210 may further be characterized as having an active microorganism count reduced by at least 85%, alternatively at least 90%, alternatively at least 95% as compared to an untreated but otherwise similar water stream (e.g., stream 392). In an embodiment, water having a reduced COD, for example, as may result from treatment in a fluid treatment system such as fluid treatment system 210, may improve the performance of oxidizing agents such as oxidizing breakers and/or oxidizing biocides. In an embodiment, the COD may be monitored to prevent overtreatment with ozone. For example, overtreatment with ozone may result in ozone and/or a by-product thereof (e.g., oxygen) which may adversely affect the subsequent wellbore servicing fluid (e.g., may change the effectiveness of the gel breakers).

In an embodiment, a first amount of biocide may be added to the second ozonated water stream 397 in order to reduce the count of active microorganisms in water stream 397 even further. In an embodiment, the amount of biocide added may be at least approximately 50% less, alternatively, at least approximately 70% less, or alternatively, at least approximately 90% less than the amount of biocide that would be required to achieve an equivalent reduction in the active microorganism count in an untreated but otherwise similar water stream (e.g., untreated water stream 392).

The second ozonated water stream 397, which is emitted from the fluid treatment system 210, may be employed in preparing a wellbore servicing fluid, as described above with reference to FIG. 2. In various embodiments, the water stream may be mixed with one or more suitable proppants and/or additives. Nonlimiting examples of suitable proppants include resin coated or uncoated sand, sintered bauxite, ceramic materials, glass beads, shells, hulls, plastics, or combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of suitable additives include polymers, crosslinkers, friction reducers, defoamers, foaming surfactants, fluid loss agents, weighting materials, latex emulsions, dispersants, vitrified shale and other fillers such as silica flour, sand and slag, formation conditioning agents, hollow glass or ceramic beads, elastomers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, metal fibers, minerals fibers, of combinations thereof. One of skill in the art will appreciate that various proppants and/or additives may be added alone or in combination and in various amounts to achieve various wellbore servicing fluids (for example, a fracturing fluid, a hydrajetting or perforating fluid, a drilling fluid, a fluid loss fluid, a sealant composition, etc).

Referring to FIG. 4, a method 600 for servicing a wellbore is described. At block 610, a plurality of wellbore servicing equipment is transported to a well site 100 associated with the wellbore 120. At block 620, a water source 220 is accessed to form a water stream (e.g., stream 392) from the water source 220 to at least one of the plurality of wellbore servicing equipment. At block 630, a direct electrical current is passed through the water stream obtained from the water source 220 to coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an undissolved organic phase in the water stream. At block 640, the coalesced undissolved solid phase and the coalesced undissolved organic phase are separated from the water stream to yield a substantially single-phase, substantially undissolved solids-free, substantially undissolved organics-free water stream. At block 650, ozone is added to the substantially single-phase, substantially undissolved solids-free, substantially undissolved organics-free water stream to yield an ozonated water stream. At block 660, the ozonated water stream is irradiated with ultraviolet light to yield a substantially organics-free, substantially microorganism-free water stream, or at least a water stream substantially free of easily oxidizable organics and active microorganisms. At block 670, a proppant, a servicing additive, a viscosifying agent or combinations thereof may be added to the substantially organics-free, substantially microorganism-free water stream to form a well bore servicing fluid. At block 680, the wellbore servicing fluid is placed into the wellbore 120.

In alternative embodiments, one or more components, embodiments, systems, or methods may be combined and/or substituted with like or equivalent components, embodiments, systems, or methods as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/722,410 by Rory D. Daussin, et al., filed Mar. 11, 2010 and entitled “System and Method for Fluid Treatment” and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/774,393 by Wesley John Warren, filed May 5, 2010 and entitled “System and Method for Fluid Treatment,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The following are nonlimiting, specific embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure:

Embodiment A

A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising:

transporting a plurality of wellbore servicing equipment to a well site associated with the wellbore;

accessing a water source to form a water stream from the water source to at least one of the plurality of wellbore servicing equipment;

passing a direct electrical current through the water stream obtained from the water source to coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an undissolved organic phase in the water stream;

separating the coalesced undissolved solid phase and the coalesced undissolved organic phase from the water stream to yield a substantially single-phase water stream;

adding ozone to the substantially single-phase water stream to yield an ozonated water stream;

irradiating the ozonated water stream with ultraviolet light to yield an irradiated water stream;

forming a wellbore servicing fluid using the irradiated water stream; and

placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.

Embodiment B

The method of embodiment A, further comprising adding additional ozone to the irradiated water stream prior to forming the wellbore servicing fluid.

Embodiment C

The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the water stream obtained from the water source has a turbidity >50 NTU.

Embodiment D

The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the substantially single-phase water stream has a turbidity <50 NTU.

Embodiment E

The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising measuring a turbidity of the substantially single-phase water stream.

Embodiment F

The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising measuring a turbidity of the water stream obtained from the water source.

Embodiment G

The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising adjusting the current as a function of the turbidity of the substantially single-phase water stream.

Embodiment H

The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid comprises a hydraulic fracturing fluid.

Embodiment I

The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising storing at least a portion of the irradiated water stream in a storage vessel proximate the wellbore and subsequently forming the wellbore servicing fluid.

Embodiment J

The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the water source comprises produced water, flowback water, surface water, well water, municipal water, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment K

The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising removing a portion of the wellbore servicing fluid from the wellbore.

Embodiment L

The method of embodiment K, further comprising adding the portion of the wellbore servicing fluid removed from the wellbore to the water stream obtained from the water source prior to passing the direct electrical current therethrough.

Embodiment M

The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising adding a first amount of biocide to the irradiated water stream.

Embodiment N

The method of embodiment M, wherein the first amount of biocide is at least approximately 10% less than an alternative amount of biocide that would be required to achieve a degree of microorganism inactivation from the water stream obtained from the water source approximately equal to that from the irradiated water stream after addition of the first amount of biocide thereto.

Embodiment O

The method of embodiment N, wherein the first amount of biocide is at least approximately 50% less than the alternative amount of biocide.

Embodiment P

The method of embodiment N or O, wherein the first amount of biocide is at least approximately 90% less than the alternative amount of biocide.

Embodiment Q

The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising removing the wellbore servicing equipment from the well site.

Embodiment R

The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the irradiated water stream comprises a chemical oxygen demand lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source.

Embodiment S

The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the irradiated water stream comprises a chemical oxygen demand at least 50% lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source, and at least 90% of the microorganisms from the water source and present in the irradiated water stream are inactivated.

Embodiment T

A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising:

transporting wellbore servicing equipment to a well site associated with the wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing equipment comprises a mobile electrocoagulation unit, a mobile separation unit, a mobile ozone generator and a mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit;

accessing a water source;

introducing a water stream obtained from the water source into the mobile electrocoagulation unit;

in the electrocoagulation unit, passing a direct electrical current through the water stream obtained from the water source to coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an undissolved organic phase in the water stream to form a coalesced undissolved solid phase and a coalesced undissolved organic phase;

separating the coalesced undissolved solid phase and the coalesced undissolved organic phase from the water stream in the mobile separation unit to yield a substantially single-phase water stream;

introducing ozone produced in the mobile ozone generator into the substantially single-phase water stream to form an ozonated water stream;

exposing the ozonated water stream to ultraviolet light in the mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit to yield an irradiated water stream;

forming a wellbore servicing fluid using the irradiated water stream; and

placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.

Embodiment U

The method of embodiment T, wherein the mobile ozone generator and the mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit are situated on a common structural support.

Embodiment V

The method of embodiment T, wherein the mobile ozone generator and the mobile ultraviolet light irradiation unit are situated on separate structural supports.

Embodiment W

The method of embodiment U, wherein the structural support comprises a trailer, a truck, a skid, a barge or combinations thereof.

Embodiment X

The method of embodiment V, wherein each of the separate structural supports comprises a trailer, a truck, a skid, a barge or combinations thereof.

Embodiment AA

A system for servicing a wellbore, comprising:

a water source;

a first water stream from the water source comprising undissolved solids, dissolved organics and undissolved organics, the first water stream being introduced into a mobile electrocoagulation unit;

a second water stream comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics and dissolved organics, the second water stream being emitted from the electrocoagulation unit and introduced into a mobile separation unit;

a third water stream comprising dissolved organics, the third water stream being emitted from the separation unit;

an ozone stream emitted from a mobile ozone generator and added to the third water stream comprising dissolved organics to form an ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics, the ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics being introduced into a mobile ultraviolet irradiation unit;

a fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms, the fourth water stream being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit; and

a wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid is formed using the fourth water stream, the wellbore servicing fluid being placed in the wellbore.

Embodiment BB

The system of embodiment AA, further comprising a second ozone stream emitted from the ozone generator and added to the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms.

Embodiment CC

The system of any of embodiments AA and BB, wherein the first water stream from the water source has a turbidity >50 NTU.

Embodiment DD

The system of any of embodiments AA to CC, wherein the third water stream comprising dissolved organics has a turbidity <50 NTU.

Embodiment EE

The system of any of embodiments AA to DD, further comprising a nephelometer configured to measure a turbidity of the third water stream comprising dissolved organics.

Embodiment FF

The system of any of embodiments AA to EE, further comprising a nephelometer configured to measure a turbidity of the first water stream from the water source.

Embodiment GG

The system of any of embodiments AA to FF, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller adjusts the current as a function of a or the turbidity of the third water stream comprising dissolved organics.

Embodiment HH

The system of any of embodiments AA to GG, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid comprises a hydraulic fracturing fluid.

Embodiment II

The system of any of embodiments AA to HH, further comprising a storage vessel configured to store at least a portion of the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms.

Embodiment JJ

The system of any of embodiments AA to II, wherein the water source comprises produced water, flowback water, surface water, well water, municipal water, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment KK

The system of any of embodiments AA to JJ, further comprising a biocide stream added to the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms at a first mass flow rate.

Embodiment LL

The system of embodiment KK, wherein the first mass flow rate of the biocide stream is at least approximately 10% less than an alternative mass flow rate of an alternative biocide stream that would be required to achieve a degree of microorganism inactivation in the first water stream from the water source approximately equal to that from the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms after addition of the first mass flow rate of the biocide stream thereto.

Embodiment MM

The system of embodiment LL, wherein the first mass flow rate is at least approximately 50% less than the alternative mass flow rate.

Embodiment NN

The system of embodiment LL or MM, wherein the first mass flow rate is at least approximately 90% less than the alternative mass flow rate.

Embodiment OO

The system of any of embodiments AA to NN, wherein the third water stream comprising dissolved organics comprises a chemical oxygen demand lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source.

Embodiment PP

The system of any of embodiments AA to OO, wherein the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms comprises a chemical oxygen demand at least 50% lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source, and at least 90% of the microorganisms from the water source and present in the fourth water stream are inactivated.

While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. For example, a portion of the wellbore servicing fluid placed in the wellbore 120 may be recycled, i.e., mixed with the water stream obtained from the water source 220 and treated in fluid treatment system 210. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, RL, and an upper limit, RU, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=RL+k*(RU−RL), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised substantially of, etc.

Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the claims are a further description and are an addition to the embodiments of the present invention. The discussion of a reference in the Detailed Description of the Embodiments is not an admission that it is prior art to the present invention, especially any reference that may have a publication date after the priority date of this application. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.

Claims

1. A system for servicing a wellbore, comprising:

a water source;
a first water stream from the water source comprising undissolved solids, dissolved organics and undissolved organics, the first water stream being introduced into a mobile electrocoagulation unit;
a second water stream comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics and dissolved organics, the second water stream being emitted from the electrocoagulation unit and introduced into a mobile separation unit;
a third water stream comprising dissolved organics, the third water stream being emitted from the separation unit;
an ozone stream emitted from a mobile ozone generator and added to the third water stream comprising dissolved organics to form an ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics, the ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics being introduced into a mobile ultraviolet irradiation unit;
a fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms, the fourth water stream being emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit; and
a wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid is formed using the fourth water stream, the wellbore servicing fluid being placed in the wellbore.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second ozone stream emitted from the ozone generator and added to the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first water stream from the water source has a turbidity >50 NTU.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the third water stream comprising dissolved organics has a turbidity <50 NTU.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a nephelometer configured to measure a turbidity of the third water stream comprising dissolved organics.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a nephelometer configured to measure a turbidity of the first water stream from the water source.

7. The system of claim 5, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller adjusts the current as a function of the turbidity of the third water stream comprising dissolved organics.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid comprises a hydraulic fracturing fluid.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a storage vessel configured to store at least a portion of the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the water source comprises produced water, flowback water, surface water, well water, municipal water, or combinations thereof.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a biocide stream added to the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms at a first mass flow rate.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first mass flow rate of the biocide stream is at least approximately 10% less than an alternative mass flow rate of an alternative biocide stream that would be required to achieve a degree of microorganism inactivation in the first water stream from the water source approximately equal to that from the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms after addition of the first mass flow rate of the biocide stream thereto.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first mass flow rate is at least approximately 50% less than the alternative mass flow rate.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the first mass flow rate is at least approximately 90% less than the alternative mass flow rate.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the third water stream comprising dissolved organics comprises a chemical oxygen demand lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms comprises a chemical oxygen demand at least 50% lower than a chemical oxygen demand of the water source, and at least 90% of the microorganisms from the water source and present in the fourth water stream are inactivated.

Patent History
Publication number: 20120181014
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 14, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 19, 2012
Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. (Houston, TX)
Inventors: Rory DAUSSIN (Spring, TX), Diptabhas SARKAR (Houston, TX), Phillip C. HARRIS (Duncan, OK)
Application Number: 13/007,369
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Means For Inserting Fluid Into Well (166/90.1)
International Classification: E21B 19/00 (20060101);