Membranes separations in Clean Water and Energy Production

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The supply of clean water and energy are highly interdependent. Non-conventional sources of energy require a considerable amount of water in their extraction and processing. Up to 150 L of water is need to produce one litre of oil from non-conventional oil extraction processes compared to 40 L of water per litre of oil in conventional processes. In addition to this; non-conventional sources of energy are often located in areas where water is scarce and wastewater disposal options limited. The large volumes of contaminated water produced in the extraction process must be treated before release or reuse. These waters pose particular challenges for water treatment processes as they contain fine particulates that are laden with oil or bitumen.Synthetic membranes have been used to separate a wide variety of liquid mixtures. They have been utilized with great success in large-scale water treatment applications. The operating flux of the membrane, its replacement cost and frequency of replacement dictate the economics of the process. A recurrent theme in their use is membrane life defined by irreversible fouling. This is the point in the operation of a system where the membrane can no longer be cleaned by any means to regenerate a useful flux. In large-scale applications, membrane life seriously impacts the viability of the treatment technique.The objective of this project is to develop new membranes with controlled pore geometries to enhance the operating flux of micro- and ultrafiltration membranes. The implementation of the results will reduce particle entrapment in membrane pores, extending their useful life. These membranes are to be resistant to fouling and degradation by organics found in wastewaters and produce waters from energy production processes. The results of this work will permit the recycling of process waters originating from non-conventional oil and gas extraction processes and reduce the environmental footprint of these important sources of energy and be applicable to other membrane based water treatment applications.