Paper: Basic Filtration An Oilfield Necessity

It is becoming increasingly important for technical personnel in the petroleum industry to have a background in filtration and separation techniques. One of the principal reasons for this need is demonstrated by the number of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects currently in operation. Anytime contaminated fluids are introduced into a subsurface formation there is a risk of damage. In the case of water and gas flooding operations where large volumes of fluid are injected, levels of contamination become acute problems. As an example of a systematic approach to filtration problems, this communication describes the component selection and field operation of a pilot system for the removal of solid and liquid contaminants from waterflood injection water.