OIL PRODUCTION
Water is used in significant volumes in the onshore and offshore oil drilling industries. Large volumes of water may be injected into a well to displace oil and force it to the surface – this is called downhole injection water.
Water may be treated with ultraviolet light based disinfection methods before injection for microbial control. Aiming to prevent biofouling of the pipelines as well as corrosion and obstructions caused by bacteria growth.
Prior to the adoption of UV in disinfection systems, downhole injection water was treated using a variety of chemicals, however, maintenance engineers found that different chemicals can have unwanted effects on the oil composition, the local environment or causing reactions with each other, limiting their effectiveness.
The condition of the water used in drilling and post-use disposal is heavily regulated. Using UV light as part of the cleaning process contributes significantly to ensuring water is fit for purpose.
Find out more on how ultraviolet light in a disinfection systems works.
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