Theme Opportunities

Water is a primary component in many oil and gas production processes. The industry is continuously developing new ways to effectively manage their use of water – from where it is sourced, to how and how much of it is used, to the methods of treating, processing and eventually disposing of it.

The Water Technology Development working group is looking at advanced water technologies for the oil and gas industry and discussing potential applicability across other sectors.

They are actively exploring how different water technologies are being used in Canada. From reducing operational costs and improving the reliability and efficiency of water recycling to technologies to reduce the footprint of oil sands facilities and fresh-water intensity.

Focus Areas

• Water treatment technologies addressing input water quality aspects - total dissolved solids (TDS), organics, total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, grease, oil, and silica

• Operational efficiency solutions - novel instrumentation, process control, online analyzers, leak prevention, asset integrity, tank inspection and cleaning technologies, feedwater production efficiency, incorporation of artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented/virtual reality, other digital solutions

• Alternative steam generation technologies - steam from alternative and recycled feedwaters

• Technologies to improve quality and increase reuse of disposal process streams - reducing oil and grease, TSS, organics, etc., minimizing impacts to groundwater quantity and quality

Tech Leader

Chris Godwaldt

Director, Water

Pathways Alliance

Water management is global, spanning industry sectors & geography. Collaborating through the CRIN Water multi-sectoral network allows me to reach outside the oil and gas sector for solutions proven in other sectors, to improve performance.