SBIR Phase I: Produced Water Treatment Using Animated Organosilicas That Rapidly and Reversibly Swell

这项小型企业创新研究的第一阶段项目涉及开发一种新型可膨胀玻璃处理采出水的系统，这种玻璃可以吸收水中的有机化合物。采出水是指与石油/天然气开采共同产生的含水废物。这些水中含有大量的有机化合物，BTEX（苯、甲苯、乙苯和二甲苯）、有机酸和溶解固体。采出水的处理将使用可膨胀的有机改性二氧化硅（SOMS）来完成，这种有机改性二氧化硅可以迅速膨胀到其干重的五倍，但不吸水。膨胀过程是完全可逆的，这使得SOMS可以像纳米海绵一样吸收水污染物。与石油巨头和油田服务公司合作进行的SOMS试点阶段测试是研究的重点。此外，新的先进版本的SOMS将开发针对特定污染物，包括钡的捕获。这些先进的材料将有助于创造以更环保的方式利用油气资源的方法。该项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力是通过先进的净化系统改善我们的水资源。据估计，2007年世界各地的石油开采活动产生了190亿桶采出水。管理来自石油生产的大量水对能源行业来说是一个巨大的挑战。2008年用于采出水处理的费用为350亿美元，随着监管环境的严格和成熟井田预期水量的增加，这一数字预计会增加。在一个水资源每年面临更大压力的世界里，一种经济有效的方法将采出水转化为可用的水流是一个理想的目标。有效处理采出水的方法将有助于更好的资源管理和降低能源价格。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the development of systems to treat produced water using a novel type of swellable glass that absorbs organic compounds from water. Produced water is the term given to aqueous wastes cogenerated with oil/gas extraction. These waters contain high levels of organic compounds, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), organic acids, and dissolved solids. Treatment of produced water will be accomplished using swellable organic modified silica (SOMS) which can rapidly expand to five times its dry weight with organics, but which does not absorb water. The swelling process is completely reversible, allowing SOMS to act as a nanomolecular sponge for absorption of water contaminants. Pilot phase testing of SOMS in conjunction with oil majors and oil field service companies is the focus of the research. In addition, new advanced versions of SOMS will be developed to target specific contaminants, including the capture of barium. These advanced materials will help create methods to harness oil/gas resources in a more environmentally benign manner. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is the enhancement of our water resources through advanced purification systems. It is estimated that 19 billion barrels of produced water were created from petroleum extraction activities around the world in 2007. Managing the large volumes of water coming from petroleum production represents a great challenge to the energy industry. The amount spent on produced water treatment in 2008 was $35 billion, and this figure is expected increase with a stricter regulatory climate and higher anticipated water volumes from mature well fields. A cost-effective means to convert produced water to a useable water stream is a desirable goal in a world where water resources face greater pressure each year. Efficient means to treat produced water will allow for better resource management and lower energy prices.