Method and system for servicing a wellbore

A method of servicing a wellbore that includes, transporting a fluid treatment system to a wellsite, accessing a water source proximate to the wellsite, introducing a water stream from the water source into the fluid treatment system, irradiating at least a portion of the water stream within the fluid treatment system, forming a wellbore servicing fluid from the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore. The portion of the water stream is irradiating by exposing the portion of water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

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

Servicing operations are performed with respect to a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation for a variety of purposes. Often, a suitable fluid supply is required to prepare such wellbore servicing fluids employed in the performance of various wellbore servicing operations. However, a fluid supply proximate 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, within the fluid supply. For example, water extracted from a wellbore (e.g., produced water), surface water, and/or flowback water, may be unsuitable for use in 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 fluid treatment system to a wellsite, accessing a water source proximate to the wellsite, introducing a water stream from the water source into the fluid treatment system, irradiating at least a portion of the water stream within the fluid treatment system, wherein the portion of the water stream is irradiated by exposing the portion of the water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp, forming a wellbore servicing fluid from the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.

Also disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore, comprising accessing a water source to form a water stream, irradiating at least a portion of the water stream to yield an irradiated water stream, wherein the portion of the water stream is irradiated by exposing the portion of the water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from a pulsed ultraviolet lamp, forming a wellbore servicing fluid from the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.

Further disclosed herein is a fluid treatment system for servicing a wellbore, comprising an ultraviolet irradiation unit, the ultraviolet irradiation unit comprising at least one ultraviolet irradiation chamber, the at least one ultraviolet irradiation chamber comprising at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp, at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit being in fluid communication with the at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment, and a wellhead providing access to the wellbore, the at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment being in fluid communication with the wellhead.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

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 from a subterranean formation (hereinafter referred to as produced water), surface water, municipal water, or combinations thereof. Water obtained from any one or more of 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 one or more of the above-mentioned water sources may include bacteria and other microorganisms. A fluid that contains contaminants (for example, oxidizable organic contaminants), such as those discussed above, may adversely affect the intended function of the fluid and/or render the fluid unusable 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(s) present in gelling agents, for example, as may be 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. In addition, bacteria and other microorganisms may lead to undesirable hydrogen sulfide formation, increase corrosion of downhole equipment, form biofilms that may cause fouling and/or generally affect conductivity of a fractured formation. Therefore, the presence of bacteria in water used to prepare a fracturing fluid may negatively impact the results obtained from a fracturing operation.

FIG. 1schematically illustrates an embodiment of a wellbore servicing system110. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the wellbore servicing system110is deployed at a wellsite100and is fluidly coupled to a wellbore120. The wellbore120penetrates a subterranean formation130for the purpose of recovering hydrocarbons, storing hydrocarbons, disposing of carbon dioxide, or the like. The wellbore120may be drilled into the subterranean formation130using any suitable drilling technique. In an embodiment, a drilling or servicing rig may comprise a derrick with a rig floor through which a pipe string140(e.g., a drill string, segmented tubing, coiled tubing, etc.) may be lowered into the wellbore120. A wellbore servicing apparatus150configured for one or more wellbore servicing operations may be integrated within the pipe string140. Additional downhole tools may be included with and/or integrated within the wellbore servicing apparatus150and/or the pipe string140, 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 string140and/or wellbore servicing apparatus150into the wellbore120. Alternatively, a mobile workover rig, a wellbore servicing unit (e.g., coiled tubing units), or the like may be used to lower the pipe string140and/or wellbore servicing apparatus150into the wellbore120.

The wellbore120may extend substantially vertically away from the earth's surface160over a vertical wellbore portion, or may deviate at any angle from the earth's surface160over a deviated or horizontal wellbore portion. Alternatively, portions or substantially all of the wellbore120may be vertical, deviated, horizontal, and/or curved. In some instances, a portion of the pipe string140may be secured into position within the wellbore120in a conventional manner using cement170(e.g., such as a casing or liner); alternatively, the pipe string140may be partially cemented in wellbore120; alternatively, the pipe string140may be uncemented in the wellbore120. In an embodiment, the pipe string140may 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 system110may be coupled to a wellhead180via a conduit190, and the wellhead180may be connected to the pipe string140. In various embodiments, the pipe string140may comprise a casing string, a liner, a production tubing, coiled tubing, a work string, a drilling string, the like, or combinations thereof. The pipe string140may extend from the earth's surface160downward within the wellbore120to a predetermined or desirable depth, for example, such that the wellbore servicing apparatus150is positioned substantially proximate to a portion of the subterranean formation130to be serviced (e.g., into which a fracture is to be introduced). Arrows200indicate a route of fluid communication from the wellbore servicing system110to the wellhead180via conduit190, from the wellhead180to the wellbore servicing apparatus150via pipe string140, and from the wellbore servicing apparatus150into the subterranean formation130. The wellbore servicing apparatus150may be configured to perform one or more servicing operations, for example, fracturing the formation130, hydrajetting and/or perforating casing (when present) and/or the formation130, expanding or extending a fluid path through or into the subterranean formation130, producing hydrocarbons from the formation130, or other servicing operation. In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing apparatus150may comprise one or more ports, apertures, nozzles, jets, windows, or combinations thereof for the communication of fluid from a flowbore of the pipe string140to the subterranean formation130. In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing apparatus150comprises 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 path200from the wellbore servicing apparatus150to the wellbore120, the subterranean formation130, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing apparatus150may be configurable for the performance of multiple servicing operations.

FIG. 2schematically illustrates an embodiment of the wellbore servicing system110. In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing system generally comprises a fluid treatment system210, a water source220, one or more storage vessels (such as storage vessels230,300,310,312, and320) and one or more wellbore servicing equipment components, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 2, a gel blender240, a sand blender242, a wellbore services manifold trailer250, and one or more high-pressure (HP) pumps270. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the fluid treatment system210obtains water, either directly or indirectly, from water source220. Water from the fluid treatment system210is introduced, either directly or indirectly, into the gel blender240and then into the sand blender242where 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 trailer250, which is in fluid communication with the one or more HP pumps270, and then introduced into the conduit190. As will be described herein, the fluid communication between two or more components of the wellbore servicing system110and/or the fluid treatment system210may 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, a wellbore servicing system, such as the wellbore servicing system110, may be configured to communicate a suitable fluid into the wellbore at a rate and/or pressure suitable for the performance of a given wellbore servicing operation. For example, in an embodiment where the wellbore servicing system110is configured for the performance of a stimulation operation (e.g., a perforating and/or fracturing operation), a wellbore servicing system like wellbore servicing system110may be configured to deliver a stimulation fluid (e.g., a perforating and/or fracturing fluid) at a rate and/or pressure sufficient for initiating, forming, and/or extending a fracture into a hydrocarbon-bearing formation (such as subterranean formation130or a portion thereof). In such an operation (e.g., a perforating or fracturing operation), wellbore servicing fluids, such as particle (e.g., proppant) laden fluids, are pumped at a relatively high-pressure into the wellbore120. The particle laden fluids may then be introduced into a portion of the subterranean formation130at 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 formation130. 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 formation130and flow into the wellbore120. Hydraulic fracturing may create high-conductivity fluid communication between the wellbore120and the subterranean formation130. Although one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may be disclosed with reference to a stimulation operation, such as a perforating or fracturing operation, upon viewing this disclosure one of skill in the art will appreciate that a wellbore servicing system like wellbore servicing system110and/or the methods disclosed herein may be employed in the performance of various other wellbore servicing operations. As such, unless otherwise noted, although one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may be disclosed with reference to a stimulation operation, the instant disclosure should not be construed as so-limited.

In an embodiment, the water source220may comprise produced water, flowback water, surface water, a water well, potable water, municipal water, or combinations thereof. For example, in an embodiment the water obtained from the water source220may comprise produced water that has been extracted from the wellbore120, for example, substantially commensurate with the production of hydrocarbons from the wellbore120. 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 additional or alternative embodiment, water obtained from the water source220may comprise flowback water, for example, water that has previously been introduced into the wellbore120during 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 wellbore120during wellbore servicing operations.

In another additional or alternative embodiment, water obtained from the water source220may further comprise surface water, for example, water contained in natural and/or manmade water features (such as ditches, ponds, rivers, lakes, oceans, etc.). In still another additional or alternative embodiment, water obtained from the water source220may comprise water obtained from water wells or a municipal source. In one or more of such embodiments, water obtained from the water source220may be stored in local or remote containers. Water obtained from the water source220may comprise water that originated from near the wellbore120and/or may be water that has been transported to an area near the wellbore120from any suitable distance. In some embodiments, water obtained from the water source220may comprise any suitable combination of produced water, flowback water, local surface water, and/or container stored water.

In an embodiment, the water from water source220may be temporarily stored in an untreated water storage vessel230prior to being pumped to fluid treatment system210; alternatively, the water may be introduced directly from the source into the fluid treatment system210. In an embodiment, the fluid treatment system210, as will be discussed herein below with reference toFIG. 3, may be configured to treat water obtained from a water source220in order to render the water suitable for preparing a wellbore servicing fluid and/or for utilization in a wellbore servicing operation. In an embodiment, after treatment via the fluid treatment system210, the water may introduced, for example, via a conduit332into an intermediate storage vessel310for treated water; alternatively, the water may be routed to one or more other components of the wellbore servicing system110.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the water may be introduced into the blender240from the intermediate storage vessel310via flowline340; alternatively, the water may be introduced into the blender240directly from the fluid treatment system210. In an embodiment, the blender240may be configured to mix solid and fluid components to form a well-blended wellbore servicing fluid. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, gelling agent from a storage vessel312, treated water from intermediate storage vessel310, and additives from a storage vessel320may be fed into the blender240via feedlines322,340and350, respectively. Alternatively, water treated by fluid treatment system may be fed directly into gel blender240. In an embodiment, the gel blender240may comprise any suitable type and/or configuration of blender. For example, the gel blender240may be an Advanced Dry Polymer (ADP) blender and the additives may be dry blended and dry fed into the gel blender240. In an alternative embodiment, 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 gel blender240. The mixing conditions of the gel blender240, including time period, agitation method, pressure, and temperature of the gel blender240, 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/or viscosity. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, fluid from gel blender240and sand/proppant from a storage vessel300may be fed into sand blender242via feedlines342and330, respectively. In alternative embodiments, sand or proppant, water, and/or additives may be premixed and/or stored in a storage tank before introduction into the wellbore services manifold trailer250. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the sand blender242is in fluid communication with a wellbore services manifold trailer250via a flowline260.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the wellbore servicing fluid may be introduced into the wellbore services manifold trailer250from the sand blender242via flowline260. As used herein, the term “wellbore services manifold trailer” may include a truck and/or trailer comprising one or more manifolds for receiving, organizing, pressurizing, and/or distributing wellbore servicing fluids during wellbore servicing operations. Alternatively, a wellbore servicing manifold need not be contained on a trailer, but may comprise any suitable configuration. In the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 2, the wellbore services manifold trailer250is coupled to eight high pressure (HP) pumps270via outlet flowlines280and inlet flowlines290. In alternative embodiments, however, any suitable number, configuration, and/or type of pumps may be employed in a wellbore servicing operation. The HP pumps270may comprise any suitable type of high-pressure pump, a nonlimiting example of which is a positive displacement pump. Outlet flowlines280are outlet lines from the wellbore services manifold trailer250that supply fluid to the HP pumps270. Inlet flowlines290are inlet lines from the HP pumps270that supply fluid to the wellbore services manifold trailer250. In an embodiment, the HP pumps270may be configured to pressurize the wellbore servicing fluid to a pressure suitable for delivery into the wellhead180. For example, the HP pumps270may be configured to 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.

In an embodiment, the wellbore servicing fluid may be reintroduced into the wellbore services manifold trailer250from the HP pumps270via inlet flowlines290, for example, such that the wellbore servicing fluid may have a suitable total fluid flow rate. One of skill in the art viewing this disclosure will appreciate that one or more of the wellbore servicing equipment components, for example, as disclosed herein, may be sized and/or provided in a number so as to achieve a suitable pressure and/or flow rate of the wellbore servicing fluid to the wellhead180. For example, the wellbore servicing fluid may be provided from the wellbore services manifold trailer250via flowline190to the wellhead180at a total flow rate of between about 1 BPM to about 200 BPM, alternatively from between about 50 BPM to about 150 BPM, alternatively about 100 BPM.

FIG. 3illustrates an embodiment of the fluid treatment system210. In an embodiment, the fluid treatment system210may be configured to render water treated therein suitable for use in the preparation of a wellbore servicing fluid, for example, a stimulation fluid such as a perforating or fracturing fluid. In an embodiment, the fluid treatment system may generally comprise an ultraviolet irradiation unit390alone or in combination with an electrocoagulation unit, a separation unit, an ozone generator, or combinations thereof. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the fluid treatment system210comprises an electrocoagulation unit360, a separation unit370, an ozone generator380, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit390. Although the embodiment ofFIG. 3illustrates the fluid treatment system210comprising each of an electrocoagulation unit360, a separation unit370, an ozone generator380, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit390, a fluid treatment system may comprise only an ultraviolet irradiation unit like ultraviolet irradiation unit390, as will be disclosed herein, or an ultraviolet irradiation unit like ultraviolet irradiation unit390and one or more of an electrocoagulation unit, a separation unit, an ozone generator, as will also be disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the electrocoagulation unit360, the separation unit370, the ozone generator380, the ultraviolet irradiation unit390, or combinations thereof may be configured to be mobile. For example, the electrocoagulation unit360, the separation unit370, the ozone generator380, the ultraviolet irradiation unit390, or combinations thereof 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 source220may comprise produced water, surface water, municipal water, or combinations thereof containing various contaminants such as dissolved and/or entrained organics and/or inorganics, particulate material, microorganisms, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the fluid treatment system210may be configured to remove at least a portion of any undissolved constituents from the water, to oxidize at least a portion of any dissolved organic and/or inorganic constituents remaining in the water, to destroy and/or inactivate at least a portion of any microorganisms in the water, or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the fluid treatment system may be configured (for example, by including or not including, one of more of the fluid treatment system components disclosed herein), as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure. For example, a fluid treatment system may be configured to treat water from a particular source and/or to treat water known to comprise one or more of the contaminants as disclosed herein.

Not intending to be bound by theory, water that contains various contaminants, such as those noted above, may adversely affect the intended function of a wellbore servicing fluid formed from the water and/or render fluid formed from the water unusable in a wellbore servicing operation and/or for producing a wellbore servicing fluid. Thus, in an embodiment, the fluid treatment system may be designed to substantially eliminate or at least substantially reduce, inter alia, the amount of oxidizable contaminants, particulate material, and/or active microorganisms, in a feed stream such as water from water source220.

In an embodiment where a fluid treatment system comprises an electrocoagulation unit, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, a fluid stream, for example, an untreated water stream392, may be introduced into the electrocoagulation unit360via a conduit440. In an embodiment, a first nephelometer450may be situated upstream from the electrocoagulation unit360. The electrocoagulation unit360may generally be configured to precipitate and/or coalesce at least a portion of any metallic ions, organic colloids, inorganic colloids, combinations thereof from a water stream such as untreated stream392. In an embodiment, the electrocoagulation unit360may 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 unit360may further comprise a fluid inlet through which a fluid may be introduced into the housing and a fluid outlet through which treated fluid (e.g., an electrocoagulated fluid stream) may be expelled. In the housing, the untreated water stream may be flowed between and past the pairs of electrodes while the plate electrodes are subjected to a direct current voltage. Not intending 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 unit360may 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, the fluid treatment system210may comprise more than one electrocoagulation unit may be operated in parallel, for example, thereby enabling the treatment of an increased volume of fluid and/or at an increased rate of treatment.

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 system210, for example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit390(as will be discussed herein below in greater detail). A method of measure of 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 stream392may be characterized as having a first turbidity (e.g., as measured by the first nephelometer450), 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 unit360. As the untreated water stream392passes through the electrocoagulation unit360, 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 stream392may yield a water stream393comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics and/or inorganics, and dissolved organics and/or inorganics.

In an embodiment where the fluid treatment system comprises a separation unit, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, a fluid stream, for example, the water stream393comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics and/or inorganics, and dissolved organics and/or inorganics, may be introduced into the separation unit370via conduit460. In an embodiment, the separation unit370may be configured to remove at least a portion of undissolved solids and undissolved organics and/or inorganics coalesced by the electrocoagulation unit360from a water stream such as water stream393. In an embodiment, the separation unit370may comprise one or more suitable filters, nonlimiting examples of which include a column filter, a membrane filter, a ceramic filter, a sand filter, or combinations thereof. 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 stream392, as well as parameters of the electrocoagulation unit360. In an embodiment, the separation unit370may be operated at a pressure ranging from about 20 p.s.i. to about 150 p.s.i., alternatively, from about 20 p.s.i. to about 80 p.s.i. to facilitate the movement of water stream393through the filters. Alternatively, the separation unit370may comprise any separation device as will be recognized by one skilled in the art upon viewing this disclosure as suitable for separating undissolved and/or suspended solids from a liquid. For example, the separation unit370may comprise a centrifuge separator or a hydrocyclone separator. In an embodiment, a second nephelometer462may be situated downstream from the separation unit370and upstream from an ozone inlet420(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 stream393) via the separation unit370may remove at least a portion of undissolved solids and undissolved organics, for example, as may result from coalescence by the electrocoagulation unit360, from the water stream393to yield a substantially single phase water stream394. For example, the separation unit370may remove from approximately 50% to approximately 100% of the undissolved solids from the water stream393, and/or from approximately 50% to approximately 100% of the undissolved organics and/or inorganics from the water stream393. In an embodiment, the substantially single phase water stream394exiting the separation unit may comprise dissolved organics and/or inorganics, as well as bacteria and other microorganisms that pass through the filters of the separation unit370.

In an embodiment, the substantially single-phase water stream394may 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 unit370. In an embodiment, a controller may be in signal communication with one or more of nephelometers450and/or462. In such an embodiment, the controller may be configured to monitor the first turbidity, the second turbidity, or both and to adjust the voltage applied to the electrocoagulation unit360as a function of the first turbidity, the second turbidity, the difference between the first second turbidity, or combinations thereof. For example, not intending to be bound by theory, if the first turbidity upstream from the electrocoagulation unit360is 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 unit370is greater than or equal to 50 NTU or less than 50 NTU by an amount deemed insufficient for processes downstream from the separation unit370, 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 unit370, then the second controller may cause the water stream passing through conduit460and into the separation unit370to be redirected through a redundant separation element in the separation unit370, so that the clogged or damaged separation element can be replaced while the fluid treatment system210continues 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 unit360, so as to attain a desired second turbidity reading with decreased power consumption of the electrocoagulation unit360. In an embodiment, the efficiency of ozone treatment of a fluid and/or ultraviolet irradiation of a fluid may be improved by prior electrocoagulation and/or separation of undissolved components of a fluid stream, for example, in electrocoagulation unit360and/or separation unit370. 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. Not intending to be bound by theory, electrocoagulation may remove at least a portion of such undissolved particulate matter, thereby improving the efficiency of a subsequent ozone treatment and/or a subsequent ultraviolet irradiation treatment.

In an embodiment where a fluid stream is subjected to ozonation as will be disclosed herein, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, such a fluid stream, for example, the substantially single-phase water stream394may be routed toward a first ozone inlet420via conduit470. In such an embodiment, ozone may be introduced via conduit480into the substantially single-phase water stream394. The first ozone inlet420may allow for the water stream394to be combined with a first ozone stream472produced by ozone generator380.

In an embodiment, the ozone generator380may comprise one or more units. In an embodiment, the ozone generator380may be characterized as having an ozone production capacity in the range of from about 500 g/h to about 10,000 g/h. In an embodiment, ozone may be present in the gaseous stream introduced into the fluid in a range of from about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight. An example of a suitable commercial ozone generator, for example, having ozone production capacities within a suitable range is available from Pinnacle Ozone Solutions in Cocoa, Fla.

In an embodiment, the ozone stream472may be introduced into the fluid stream, for example, into the substantially single-phase water stream394, at ozone inlet420via any suitable method or device, for example, the ozone stream472may be sparged, bubbled, or otherwise intermingled into the water stream394, for example, to promote dissolution of ozone into the water stream394. In an embodiment, ozone from the ozone stream472may be mixed with the water stream394at 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 stream472into water stream394may yield an ozonated water stream395. Not intending to be bound by theory, the presence of ozone in the ozonated water stream395may oxidize at least a portion of dissolved organics and/or inorganics and microorganisms present in the ozonated water stream395.

In an embodiment, the pH of one or more streams, for example, one or more of the fluid streams as disclosed herein, may be monitored. For example, in an embodiment the pH of the substantially single-phase water stream394may be monitored prior to introduction of ozone (e.g., upstream from the ozone inlet420) and the pH of ozonated water stream395may be monitored after the introduction of ozone (e.g., downstream from the ozone inlet420). In addition, the pH of the substantially single-phase water stream394may be compared with the pH of ozonated water stream395. In such an embodiment, the pH of such a fluid stream may be adjusted and/or altered (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) to attain a desired, resultant pH and/or to maintain the pH of the stream within a desired number of pH units of the original pH. For example, in an embodiment, the pH may be adjusted if the change in pH of the stream before the introduction of ozone as compared to the pH of the stream after the introduction of ozone is at least about 0.5 pH units, alternatively, at least about 1.0 pH unit, alternatively, at least about 1.5 pH units.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the substantially single-phase water stream394may be characterized as having a second turbidity of less than about 50 NTU, alternatively less than about 45 NTU, alternatively less than about 40 NTU following treatment in the separation unit370. In addition, a controller may be in signal communication with one or more of nephelometers450and462, for example, so as to monitor the first turbidity, the second turbidity, the change in turbidity, or combinations thereof. In such an embodiment, the flow rate of the water stream may be adjusted and/or altered as a function of the first turbidity, the second turbidity, the change in turbidity, or combinations thereof. For example, if the second turbidity upstream from the irradiation unit390is greater than about 50 NTU, alternatively, greater than about 45 NTU, alternatively, greater than about 40 NTU, by a certain threshold value, then the flow rate may be decreased so as to allow a greater exposure time of the water stream to the ultraviolet light. Conversely, if the second turbidity upstream from the irradiation unit390is less than about 50 NTU, alternatively, less than about 45 NTU, alternatively, about 40 NTU, by a certain threshold value, then the flow rate may be increased so as to lessen the exposure time of the water stream to the ultraviolet light (for example, so as to allow for increased efficiency and/or decreased power consumption).

In an embodiment, a fluid stream is introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation unit390. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the first ozonated water stream395may be introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation unit390. In such an embodiment, the ozonated water stream395may be directed through a suitable fluid mixer490prior to introduction into the ultraviolet irradiation unit390, for example, to further promote dissolution and/or dissipation of ozone in the first ozonated water stream395and reaction of the ozone with any residual contaminants present in the first ozonated water stream395. The fluid mixer490may induce turbulent mixing of the ozonated water stream395. Nonlimiting examples of a suitable fluid mixer include a so-called “plate mixer” and other suitable static in-line mixer configurations. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the ozonated water stream395may be introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation unit390via a conduit470.

In an embodiment the ultraviolet irradiation unit390may further comprise one or more nephelometers. For example, referring again toFIG. 3, the ultraviolet irradiation unit comprises a nephelometer474positioned downstream from one or more of the irradiation chambers710. In an additional embodiment, the fluid treatment system210may further comprise a controller. In such an embodiment, the nephelometer474and/or one or more of nephelometers450and462, disclosed herein with reference toFIG. 3, may be in signal communication with the controller and may monitor the turbidity and/or adjust the flow rate of the water stream as a function of the turbidity (as will be discussed herein below in greater detail). For example, and as will be disclosed herein, in an embodiment, treatment of a fluid stream (e.g., the ozonated water stream395) may yield an irradiated fluid (e.g., water stream) that is substantially free of bacteria and active microorganisms (e.g., irradiated fluid stream396). In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the nephelometer474monitors the fluid stream exiting the ultraviolet irradiation unit390. In such an embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the flow rate of fluid via the ultraviolet irradiation unit390based upon the fluid exiting the ultraviolet irradiation unit. For example, in such an embodiment, the controller may be configured to adjust the flowrate so as to obtain a desired, resultant turbidity. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure, a turbidity that is greater than such a desired range may be corrected by decreasing the flow rate via the ultraviolet irradiation unit, while a turbidity that is less than a desired range may be corrected by increasing the flow rate via the ultraviolet irradiation unit. A stream emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit390may be characterized as having a turbidity in the range of from about 0 NTU to about 50 NTU, alternatively, from about 1 NTU to about 10 NTU, alternatively from about 0.5 NTU to about 5 NTU, alternatively, less than about 0.5 NTU. In additional and/or alternative embodiments, an ultraviolet irradiation unit like ultraviolet irradiation unit390may comprise one or more nephelometers positioned to measure the turbidity of a fluid stream prior to introduction into the ultraviolet irradiation unit, during treatment within the ultraviolet irradiation unit (e.g., between successive irradiation chambers710), or combinations thereof. For example, in an embodiment where such a nephelometer is positioned upstream from the ultraviolet irradiation unit, the controller may be configured to control the flow rate of the fluid stream being introduced into the fluid treatment unit based upon the turbidity of that stream, the flow rate through one or more irradiation chambers of the fluid treatment unit (e.g., to independently control fluid movement through each irradiation chamber), to control the number of irradiation chambers in operation, to control the power applied to each irradiation chamber during operation, or combinations thereof. Again, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure, a relatively greater turbidity may necessitate a relatively lesser flow rate via the ultraviolet irradiation unit, while a relatively lesser turbidity may be accommodated by a relatively greater flow rate via the ultraviolet irradiation unit.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, where the fluid stream being treated is ozonated prior to treatment with ultraviolet light, not intending 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 stream395. For example, treatment with ozone and ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet irradiation unit390may 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 at least a portion of any microorganisms present in the ozonated water stream395. In an embodiment, treatment with ozone and ultraviolet radiation in the ultraviolet irradiation unit390may yield a water stream396substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms, 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.

In an embodiment, a fluid stream emitted from ultraviolet irradiation unit may be subjected to ozonation. For examples, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the water stream396substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms may be directed toward a second ozone inlet430via conduit500where ozone may be introduced via second ozone conduit510. The second ozone inlet430may allow the water stream396to be combined with a second ozone stream502, which may be produced by the ozone generator380, alternatively, a second ozone generator like ozone generator380. In various embodiments, ozonation of a stream (e.g., via the second ozone inlet430) may be in addition to a prior ozonation of the stream (e.g., via the first ozone inlet420) or as an alternative to a prior ozonation.

In an embodiment, introduction of the second ozone stream502into the water stream396substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms via any suitable method or device, for example, the second ozone stream502may be sparged, bubbled, or otherwise intermingled into water stream396, for example, to promote dissolution and/or dissipation of ozone into the water stream396. In an embodiment, ozone from the second ozone stream502may be mixed with the water stream396at a ratio of 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 stream502into the water stream396substantially free of undissolved solids, easily-oxidizable organics and active microorganisms may yield a second ozonated water stream397.

In such an embodiment, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the second ozonated water stream397may be directed through a suitable fluid mixer520to further promote dissolution of ozone in the water of water stream397and reaction of the ozone with residual contaminants in the water stream397. Not intending to be bound by theory, the additional ozone provided to water stream396by second ozone stream502may serve to reduce the amount of residual organics and residual active microorganisms in water stream397. In an embodiment, a filter and/or filtration system such as described previously may be used to remove residual undissolved microorganisms or other undissolved residual materials from discharge from the fluid treatment system210. A treated water stream397is discharged from fluid treatment system210.

One measure of an effectiveness of a fluid treatment system like fluid treatment system210may be a reduction in a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a fluid treated by system210. As used herein, COD refers to the amount of organic pollutants found in water. Not intending 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 (e.g., as a measure of the presence of readily oxidizable components within the water).

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 stream397) such as fluid treatment system210may 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., stream392). In an embodiment, water resulting from treatment in a fluid treatment system (e.g., treated stream397) such as fluid treatment system210may 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., stream392). In an embodiment, water having a reduced COD, for example, as may result from treatment in a fluid treatment system such as fluid treatment system210, 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 stream397in order to reduce the count of active microorganisms in water stream397even 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 stream392).

In an embodiment, a fluid stream emitted from the fluid treatment system, for example, the second ozonated water stream397, which is emitted from the fluid treatment system210, may be employed in preparing a wellbore servicing fluid, as described above with reference toFIG. 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., or combinations thereof).

Referring toFIG. 4, a method600for servicing a wellbore is described. At block610, a plurality of wellbore servicing equipment is transported to a well site100associated with the wellbore120. At block620, a water source220is accessed to form a water stream (e.g., stream392) from the water source220to at least one of the plurality of wellbore servicing equipment. At block630, a direct electrical current is passed through the water stream obtained from the water source220to coalesce an undissolved solid phase and an undissolved organic phase in the water stream. At block640, 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 block650, 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 block660, 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 block670, 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 block680, the wellbore servicing fluid is placed into the wellbore120. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the steps disclosed herein with respect toFIG. 4may be omitted, for example, where the fluid treatment system employed is configured alternatively. In an embodiment, block650may be omitted and the untreated water source treated by electrocoagulation and pulsed ultraviolet irradiation. In an embodiment, block630, block640, and block650may be obmitted and the untreated water source treated by pulsed ultraviolet irradiation.

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 ultraviolet irradiation unit390, as will be discussed herein below with reference toFIG. 6, may generally be configured to expose a water stream or a portion thereof to ultraviolet radiation. In an embodiment, an ultraviolet irradiation unit, for example ultraviolet irradiation unit390, as disclosed herein, may be utilized alone or in combination with an electrocoagulation unit, a separation unit, an ozone generator, or combinations thereof, for example, as also disclosed herein. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit390may be configured to render a water stream treated therein substantially free of bacteria and active microorganisms from untreated stream392. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit390may be generally configured so as to expose a fluid stream moving via the ultraviolet irradiation unit to ultraviolet light.

Referring toFIG. 6, an embodiment of the ultraviolet irradiation unit390is illustrated. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, the ultraviolet irradiation unit390may generally comprise one or more ultraviolet irradiation chambers710, positioned in series, and suitable conduits extending to, from, and/or between each of the irradiation chambers. In an embodiment, each of the one or more ultraviolet irradiation chambers710may comprise one or more pulsed ultraviolet lamps. Pulsed ultraviolet lamps may contain an inert gas such as xenon or krypton. In an embodiment, the one or more pulsed ultraviolet lamps may emit broad emission ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of from about 180 nm to about 500 nm, alternatively about 200 nm to about 400 nm, alternatively, from about 220 nm to about 300 nm, alternatively about 260 nm. In an embodiment, each of the one or more ultraviolet lamps may be capable of emitting ultraviolet light at a dosage of at least about 1 mJ/cm2, alternatively at least about 2 mJ/cm2, alternatively at least about 3 mJ/cm2.

Referring toFIGS. 5A through 5E, schematic views of lamp designs are illustrated. Pulsed ultraviolet lamps are typically constructed of sealed fused quartz tubes with an electrodes at each end and filled with a noble gas such as xenon or krypton. In embodiments as will be disclosed herein, a pulsed ultraviolet lamp may be configured in a shape that maximizes exposure time and/or light intensity with respect to a target substrate. In an embodiment, the pulsed ultraviolet lamps may be enclosed in a protective envelope (e.g., a fused quartz envelope) and sealed from the inflow of fluid. Examples of a suitable pulsed xenon lamp may be obtained from Xenon Corporation, Wilmington, Mass.

Referring toFIGS. 7A through 7Cand8A through8C, partial views of embodiments of the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710are illustrated. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 7A through 7Cand8A through8C, the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710may comprise a conduit800generally defining a fluid flowpath and one or more pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810mounted so as to expose a fluid moving via the flowpath defined by the conduit800to ultraviolet irradiation. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 7A through 7Cand8A through8C, the conduit800is illustrated as a substantially circular pipe or tubular (e.g., having a substantially circular cross-section), alternatively, a conduit like conduit800may have any suitable cross-sectional shape.

In an embodiment, the one or more pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810may be configured, for example, in a customized design so as expose the fluid moving the flowpath of the conduit800to ultraviolet radiation at a given, desired intensity, for a given, desired duration, to provide a given, desired penetration by the ultraviolet irradiation into the fluid, or combinations thereof. As will be disclosed herein, such configurations may enhance the usefulness of the pulsed ultraviolet light emission in (1) a turbid flow stream; (2) in flow streams with a high flow rate; or (3) in turbid flow streams with a high flow rate. For example, the one or more pulsed xenon lamps810may be configured (e.g., with respect to the conduit800) to optimize the ultraviolet light intensity and/or penetration thereof into the fluid moving via the flowpath, to optimize the exposure time of the fluid moving via the flowpath to the ultraviolet light, or combinations thereof. For example, in an embodiment as will be disclosed herein, the pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamp810emits high-peak ultraviolet pulses that may penetrate a fluid stream, providing relatively more efficient microorganism inactivation in a fluid stream having a relatively higher flow-rate, for example as compared to otherwise similar continuous mercury vapor ultraviolet lamps.

In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710may comprise a suitable number of pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810aoriented orthogonally (e.g., substantially perpendicular) with respect to the flowpath of the fluid stream in the conduit800. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710comprises a first group of pulsed xenon lamps810a(e.g., three lamps), water stream395aand a second group of pulsed xenon lamps810b(e.g., three additional lamps), both of the first group810aand the second group810bbeing oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid moving via the flowpath defined by the conduit800. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the groupings of horizontal pulsed xenon ultraviolet irradiation lamps may comprise 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or any other suitable number of pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, the first group of pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810ais offset from the second group of three pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810a. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, the first group of lamps810ais misaligned from the second group of lamps810bwith respect to the longitudinal flowpath defined by conduit800(e.g., oriented in substantially the same direction but at different heights or spacings across the diameter of the conduit800). For example, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, the lamps of the first group810amay be positioned horizontally within the conduit800and the second group810bmay be positioned horizontally within the conduit800such that the lamps of the second group810bare aligned, with respect to the axial flowbore, with the spaces between the lamps of the first group. In an additional embodiment, additional and/or alternative configurations of lamps may further comprise a third (e.g.,810cas shown inFIG. 7B), fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or more group of lamps. In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, a plurality of lamps, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, or an suitable number of lamps, may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the conduit and positioned in a substantially circular pattern.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the first group of lamps810amay be radially misaligned from the second group of lamps810b. For example, referring toFIG. 7C, which illustrates an axial cross-section of an embodiment of an ultraviolet irradiation chamber710, the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710may comprise a first group of pulsed xenon lamps810a(e.g., three lamps), the lamps of the first group being horizontally-oriented, and second group of pulsed xenon lamps810b(e.g., three lamps), the second group being vertically-oriented. For example, the lamps of the first group810amay be oriented substantially perpendicular to lamps of the second group810b(e.g., radially offset by about 90°). Alternatively, in an embodiment, the groups of lamps may be oriented in any suitable orientation. For example, a given group (e.g., row or column) of lamps may be radially (e.g., rotationally) offset from any adjacent group (e.g., row or column) by about 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or 90°. Not intending to be bound by theory, in an embodiment, such a configuration (e.g., a configuration having a plurality of groupings of lamps oriented substantially perpendicular to the flowpath and, optionally, with the two or more groups being at least partially offset, either radially or otherwise) may improve (e.g., increase) penetrance and/or exposure time by the ultraviolet light into the fluid stream and, thereby, improve (e.g., increase) the effectiveness of the ultraviolet light treatment, for example, by improving inactivation of any microorganisms present within the fluid.

In an alternative embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710may comprise one or more pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810oriented substantially axially (e.g., parallel) with respect to the flowpath defined by the conduit. For example, referring toFIG. 8A, in an embodiment, the irradiation chamber comprises a pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamp810oriented longitudinally with respect to and positioned approximately within the center (e.g., radially) of the conduit800, for example, such that the pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamp810is positioned substantially axially (e.g., parallel) with respect to the fluid flowpath (e.g., with respect to water stream395a). In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710may comprise one or more longitudinally oriented pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810radially offset from the center of the flowpath (e.g., alternatively or in addition to a lamp positioned substantially in the center of the flowpath, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 8A). For example, the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710may comprise three longitudinally oriented pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810(e.g., positioned within the flowpath in a substantially “triangular” pattern with respect to the longitude of the flowpath defined by the conduit800, for example, as shown inFIG. 8B), alternatively five longitudinally oriented pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps810(e.g., positioned within the flowpath in a substantially “star-shaped” pattern with respect to the longitude of the flowpath defined by the conduit800, for example, as shown inFIG. 8C). Not intending to be bound by theory, in an embodiment, such a configuration (e.g., an axially oriented pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamp810) may improve (e.g., increase) the exposure time of the fluid stream to the ultraviolet light and, thereby, improve (e.g., increase) the effectiveness of the ultraviolet light treatment, for example, by improving inactivation of any microorganisms present within the fluid.

In an embodiment, one or more of the configurations of lamps disclosed with respect to pulsed xenon lamps may also be employed utilizing a mercury vapor ultraviolet light source.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, a fluid stream (for example, the untreated water stream392) may be introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation unit390, for example, into an ultraviolet irradiation chamber710of the ultraviolet irradiation unit, via conduit495. As disclosed herein, the ultraviolet irradiation chamber710is configured to expose a water stream or a portion thereof to ultraviolet radiation, for example, from the one or more pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps therein. Not intending to be bound by theory, treatment utilizing pulsed xenon ultraviolet irradiation lamps may improve (e.g., increase) penetration by the ultraviolet light into a turbid fluid water stream, relative to the penetration by ultraviolet light from a conventional mercury vapor-type lamp, and thereby allowing a fluid to be treated at a relatively higher flow rate. By way of example, a 10 watt continuous mercury vapor-type ultraviolet lamp may require about 10 Joules of energy per second. Comparatively, a pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamp may be configured such that 10 Joules of energy per second may be produced by a 1,000 watt pulse at 10 pulses per second with a pulse-duration of 1 millisecond. In such an example, the light intensity is 100 times greater for the pulsed xenon lamp than for the continuous mercury vapor-type lamp.

In an embodiment, because the light emitted by pulsed xenon ultraviolet lamps may provide better penetration in comparison to otherwise similar continuous mercury vapor lamps at the same ultraviolet dose (e.g., measured in millijoules per square centimeter, mJ/cm2), the flow rate (e.g., measured in barrels per minute, barrels/min) via an ultraviolet irradiation unit utilizing pulsed xenon lamps may be maintained at a higher rate relative to the flow rate via an otherwise similar ultraviolet irradiation unit utilizing continuous mercury vapor ultraviolet lamps to achieve the same level of turbidity (e.g., measured in NTU) in a given stream. For example, an ultraviolet irradiation unit utilizing one or more pulsed xenon lamps may allow for an increase in flow rate of at least 10%, alternatively, at least 20%, alternatively, at least 30%, alternatively, at least 40%, alternatively, at least 50%, relative to the flow rate allowed by continuous mercury vapor lamps. If, for example, a water stream exhibiting a 20 percent transmittance (an alternative measurement for turbidity, having an inverse relationship such that 100 percent transmittance is the equivalent to 0 NTU) were to be treated so as to achieve approximately complete microorganism inactivation, an ultraviolet irradiation unit utilizing ultraviolet light from a continuous mercury vapor lamp source may be capable of treating such a fluid stream at, for example, a maximum flow rate of about 20 barrels per minute. By comparison, an ultraviolet irradiation unit utilizing light from a pulsed xenon lamp source may be capable of treating such a fluid stream at, for example, a maximum flow rate of up to about 40 barrels/min, alternatively, up to about 60 barrels/min, up to about 80 barrels/min, alternatively, up to about 100 barrels/min.

In another embodiment, because of the improved penetration by the light emitted by pulsed ultraviolet lamps, such pulsed ultraviolet lamps may exhibit improved efficiency, and thereby, decreased power consumption, relative to continuous mercury vapor lamps when utilized to achieve the same level of turbidity in a given stream. For example, an ultraviolet irradiation unit utilizing one or more pulsed xenon lamps may also allow for a decrease in power consumption of at least 10%, alternatively, at least 20%, alternatively, at least 30%, alternatively, at least 40%, alternatively, at least 50%, relative to the power consumed by continuous mercury vapor lamps.

Additional Disclosure

Embodiment 1. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising:

transporting a fluid treatment system to a wellsite;

accessing a water source proximate to the wellsite;

introducing a water stream from the water source into the fluid treatment system;

irradiating at least a portion of the water stream within the fluid treatment system, wherein the portion of the water stream is irradiated by exposing the portion of the water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp;

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

placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.

Embodiment 2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the fluid treatment system comprises an ultraviolet irradiation unit comprising at least one ultraviolet irradiation chamber.

Embodiment 3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein the at least one ultraviolet irradiation chamber comprises the at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp.

Embodiment 4. The method of embodiment 3, wherein the at least one ultraviolet irradiation chamber comprises a first group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps and a second group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps, wherein the lamps of the first group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps and the lamps of the second group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps are positioned within the ultraviolet irradiation chamber about perpendicular to a flowpath of the water stream through the ultraviolet irradiation chamber.

Embodiment 5. The method of embodiment 4, wherein the first group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps is radially offset from the second group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps.

Embodiment 6. The method of embodiment 4, wherein the first group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps is axially offset from the second group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps.

Embodiment 7. The method of embodiment 3, wherein the at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp is positioned within the ultraviolet irradiation chamber about parallel to a flowpath of the water stream through the ultraviolet irradiation chamber.

Embodiment 8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp is positioned about in the center of the flowpath.

Embodiment 9. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp is offset from the center of the flowpath.

Embodiment 10. The method of one of embodiments 1 through 9, wherein irradiation of the water stream occurs at a rate that is at least 10% greater than a rate at which the water could be irradiated by exposing the portion of the water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from a continuous mercury vapor lamp so as to achieve an equivalent microorganism inactivation as in the irradiated stream.

Embodiment 11. The method of one of embodiments 1 through 10, wherein irradiation of the water stream occurs at a rate that is at least 20% greater than a rate at which the water could be irradiated by exposing the portion of the water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from a continuous mercury vapor lamp so as to achieve an equivalent microorganism inactivation as in the irradiated stream.

Embodiment 12. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising:

accessing a water source to form a water stream;

irradiating at least a portion of the water stream to yield an irradiated water stream, wherein the portion of the water stream is irradiated by exposing the portion of the water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from a pulsed ultraviolet lamp;

forming a wellbore servicing fluid from the irradiated water stream; and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore.

Embodiment 13. The method of embodiment 12, further comprising measuring turbidity of the water stream, turbidity of the irradiated stream, or both.

Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 13, further comprising controlling a rate at which the portion of the water stream is irradiated based on the turbidity of the water stream, the turbidity of the irradiated stream, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 15. The method of one of embodiments 12 through 14, wherein irradiation of the water stream occurs at a rate that is at least 10% greater than a rate at which the water could be irradiated by exposing the portion of the water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from a continuous mercury vapor lamp so as to achieve an equivalent microorganism inactivation as in the irradiated stream.

Embodiment 16. The method of one of embodiments 12 through 15, wherein irradiation of the water stream occurs at a rate that is at least 20% greater than a rate at which the water could be irradiated by exposing the portion of the water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from a continuous mercury vapor lamp so as to achieve an equivalent microorganism inactivation as in the irradiated stream.

Embodiment 17. A fluid treatment system for servicing a wellbore, comprising:

an ultraviolet irradiation unit, the ultraviolet irradiation unit comprising at least one ultraviolet irradiation chamber, the at least one ultraviolet irradiation chamber comprising at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp;

at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit being in fluid communication with the at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment; and

a wellhead providing access to the wellbore, the at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment being in fluid communication with the wellhead.

Embodiment 18. The system of embodiment 17, wherein the at least one ultraviolet irradiation chamber comprises a first group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps and a second group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps, wherein the lamps of the first group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps and the lamps of the second group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps are positioned within the ultraviolet irradiation chamber about perpendicular to a flowpath of the water stream through the ultraviolet irradiation chamber.

Embodiment 19. The system of embodiment 18, wherein the first group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps is radially offset from the second group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps.

Embodiment 20. The system of embodiment 18, wherein the first group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps is axially offset from the second group of pulsed ultraviolet lamps.

Embodiment 21. The system of one of embodiments 17 through 20, wherein the at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp is positioned within the ultraviolet irradiation chamber about parallel to a flowpath of the water stream through the ultraviolet irradiation chamber.

Embodiment 22. The system of embodiment 21, wherein the at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp is positioned about in the center of the flowpath.

Embodiment 23. The system of embodiment 21, wherein the at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp is offset from the center of the flowpath.

Embodiment 24. The system of one of embodiments 17 through 23, wherein the at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment comprises a blender, a manifold, a high-pressure pump, or combinations thereof.