Technology Focus: Oilfield Chemistry (September 2024)
Authors: Muhemmed Sajjaat 
Published: September 2024

In an era marked by a growing emphasis on sustainability, industries are increasingly adopting innovative technologies to address resource-management challenges and environmental impacts. Three notable advancements in this field are the extraction of lithium from produced water, the use of rhamnolipids as biosurfactants, and the application of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as scale inhibitors. Each of these technologies offers a unique approach to improving efficiency and reducing environmental footprint.

Lithium, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries used for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, has seen a surge in demand. Traditionally, lithium is extracted through energy-intensive methods such as mining hard rock deposits or evaporating brines from salt flats. A novel approach, however, involves extracting lithium from produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas extraction. Produced water, once considered waste, contains dissolved minerals, including lithium. This method involves treating the water to remove contaminants, and chemical processes such as adsorption or ion exchange to concentrate and isolate lithium ions. By repurposing produced water, this approach not only reduces the environmental impact of oil and gas operations but also provides a valuable domestic source of lithium, enhancing energy security, generating additional revenue streams, and reducing reliance on imports.

Rhamnolipids—a class of biosurfactants produced by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa—are gaining recognition for their eco-friendly and versatile applications. Rhamnolipids are glycolipid compounds consisting of rhamnose sugar rings linked to fatty acid chains, and they exhibit exceptional emulsifying and surface-tension-reducing properties. Their biodegradability and reduced toxicity compared with synthetic surfactants make them suitable for various applications. In environmental bioremediation, rhamnolipids enhance the breakdown of hydrophobic pollutants in contaminated soils and water bodies, such as hydrocarbons. This capability is particularly valuable in addressing oil spills and other environmental disasters. Additionally, rhamnolipids are increasingly used in personal-care products because of their gentle cleansing properties and potential to enhance the absorption of active ingredients. As the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives rises, rhamnolipids represent a promising shift toward sustainable industrial practices.

In the oil and gas industry, the problem of scaling—where mineral layers deposit on surfaces, hindering fluid flow and causing equipment damage—has led to the exploration of GNPs as a solution. GNPs are distinguished by their high surface area, chemical stability, mechanical strength, and dispersibility. They act as nucleation sites that alter the crystal growth of scaling minerals, preventing the formation of hard, adherent layers. Additionally, GNPs can adsorb scaling ions, reducing their concentration in the fluid and decreasing scale formation. In squeeze treatments, where scale inhibitors are injected into reservoirs, GNPs can adsorb onto rock surfaces and release slowly over time, offering long-term protection. Their robustness under high temperatures and pressures makes them particularly effective for such applications. While further research is needed to optimize their use fully, GNPs offer significant potential to improve the efficiency and longevity of industrial operations.

By repurposing waste, using eco-friendly compounds, and enhancing operational efficiency, these technologies contribute to a more-sustainable and resource-efficient future. As industries navigate the complexities of environmental and economic challenges, integrating such innovations will be crucial in achieving global sustainability goals and fostering a balanced approach to resource management.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

OTC 32809 Impacts of Water-in-Oil Emulsion and Stage Equilibrium for Produced Water Analysis With Benchtop XRF by V.C.C. Gallo, Petrobras, et al.

SPE 218053 Critical Elements Extraction From Flowback and Produced Water: From Lab to Field by A. Ghanizadeh, University of Calgary, et al.