Frac water treatment, also known as hydraulic fracturing fluid treatment, is an important process used to treat the large volumes of wastewater produced during hydraulic fracturing operations. This wastewater must be treated to meet the strict regulations set by state and federal governments on water quality. To understand why it is so important, it’s helpful to first understand what hydraulic fracturing is and how it works.
What Is Hydraulic Fracturing?
Hydraulic fracturing (often referred to as “frac-ing” or just “fracking”) is a process used in drilling for oil and natural gas. During this process, high-pressure fluid (usually comprised of water, sand, and various chemicals) is injected into underground rock formations to create small fractures that allow easier access to the oil or gas trapped within them. This process can produce large amounts of wastewater that must be treated before it can be safely discharged into the environment.
The Importance of Frac Water Treatment
Water treatment is essential because it removes solids and contaminants from the fracking wastewater so that it meets all applicable regulatory standards. This includes removing metals such as iron and manganese, as well as organic compounds like benzene and toluene, which can be hazardous if they are released into soil or groundwater. It also reduces total suspended solids (TSS), particles that are too small to be filtered out but still big enough to cause environmental damage if released untreated into a body of water. The goal of frac water treatment is to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and reduce any potential risks posed by contaminated discharge waters.
This type of water treatment plays an important role in protecting our environment from the potentially harmful effects of contaminated fracking wastewater. Companies can ensure that their wastewater meets strict regulatory standards by utilizing advanced technologies such as membrane filtration systems and reverse osmosis systems. Visit Flatirons Chemicals to learn all about water treatment.
