Coupling iron-carbon micro-electrolysis with persulfate advanced oxidation for hydraulic fracturing return fluid treatment.

Improving the sustainability of the hydraulic fracturing water cycle of unconventional oil and gas development needs an advanced water treatment that can efferently treat flowback and produced water (FPW). In this study, we developed a robust two-stage process that combines flocculation, and iron-carbon micro-electrolysis plus sodium persulfate (ICEPS) advanced oxidation to treat field-based FPW from the Sulige tight gas field, China. Influencing factors and optimal conditions of the flocculation-ICEPS process were investigated.

Treatment and recycling of acidic fracturing flowback fluid.

Acidic fracturing flowback fluid (AFFF) has the characteristics of low pH value, high chemical oxygen demand (COD), high corrosiveness and complex components. Surface discharge without treatment may contaminate the environment. However, wastewater treatment after centralized transportation has potential safety risks and requires high costs.