Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Oil & Gas wells frequently produce a mixed stream of gas, liquid hydrocarbons and water, which either flows or is pumped to the surface and separated. After the oil and/or gas is recovered, the produced water isconventionally disposed of by reinjection into a disposal well. In cold weather climates, there is a danger of the mixed stream freezing or hydrating, so a de-icer/hydrate inhibitor (commonly methanol) is injected into themixed streams. The water stream injected into disposal wells can consist of as much as 90% methanol. TheSouthern Alberta Institute of Technology and their industry partner, ChampionX, are focused on the recovery and recycling process of methanol from wastewater. SAIT's Centre for Energy Research and CleanUnconventional Technologies (CERCUTS) will collaborate with the partner to optimize the current Methanol Recovery Technology (MRT) process through designing, assembling and analyzing a novel, high performance water pre-treatment system that will be integrated within one of the three recovery pilot units that are inAlberta. Implementing an enhanced technology of this type would provide Canada with environmental benefitsby reducing disposal of the methanol used as de-icer in produced water by up to 90%. The recovered methanol can be recycled in SAGD and other Oil & Gas operations, or sold to alternative consumers as a byproduct.MRT can also be used for recovery of methanol within the Canadian pulp and paper and pharmaceuticalindustries. The recovery and recycling of methanol will have a positive environmental impact by keepingcarbon in a closed loop, reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by incineration and eliminating leaking and spill risks associated with conventional waste disposal. This also provides the industry the ability to treatprocessed water to be reused in operations, reducing the need for clean water sources.