DOWS reduce produced water disposal costs.
A relatively new technology, downhole oil/water separators (DOWS), can reduce the cost of handling produced water. DOWS are devices that at the bottom of the well separate out water from the oil and gas stream. Some of this water is reinjected into another formation or horizon, while the oil, gas, and remaining water are produced to surface. Water is the largest-volume waste stream associated with oil gas production. Treatment and disposal of water represent significant costs for operators. But costs are greatly reduced if the water does not have to be produced to surface and treated before being reinjected into another horizon. DOWS may also aid in recovering additional oil as well. Other terms for DOWS are Dhows and Dials (dual injection and lifting systems). This article summarizes a report on the technical, economic, and regulatory feasibility of DOWS technology that was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and prepared by Argonne National Laboratory, CH2M Hill, and the Nebraska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- FE
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 942509
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/EA/JA-32155; OIGJAV; TRN: US200916%%559
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J., Vol. 97, Issue 12 ; Mar. 22, 1999; ISSN 0030-1388
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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