Treatment of the oilfield-produced water and oil refinery wastewater by using inverse fluidization - A review

Oilfield wastewater or produced water is a complex mixture contains oil, organic and inorganic matter and other compounds dissolved in water that ranges from fresh to brine. Discharging produced water pollute soil surface and underground water and create environment hassle. The objective of this study is to investigate and summarize the novel method of fluidization processes, used for the treatment of oilfield produced water and oil refinery wastewater. Characteristics of oilfield produced water and oil refinery wastewater from different field and various methods for treating these wastewaters are discussed. Oilfield produced water and oil refinery wastewater are strongly acidic (pH 3-4), have a high chemical oxygen demand (1200-2600 mg/L), high polyphenol content (23 mg/L) and are highly variable. Primary attention is focused on the fluidization treatment of oilfield produced water and oil refinery wastewater, mainly by inverse fluidization. Finally, areas where further research and attention are required are identified.