Power Production from Produced Waters via Reverse Electrodialysis: A Preliminary Assessment

Wastewaters generated by crude oil extraction processes, called “produced waters” (PWs), are complex solutions that contain organic compounds, mainly hydrocarbons, and often exhibit high salinity. The large amounts of PWs represent a global issue because their environmental impact. An approach widely used in the industry is reinjection this wastewater into wells after suitable treatment. salt concentration such may be salinity gradient technologies to produce green electricity. Among these technologies, reverse electrodialysis (RED) one most promising. In work, application RED for energy generation from two different real brines was investigated. experimental campaign performed testing 10 × cm2 units long-run continuous operations, monitoring performance more than 25 days. Fouling phenomena, occurring during operation, decrease unit several anti-fouling strategies were adopted tackle issue. As result, positive net power density up 18 days operation obtained. A maximum about 2.5 W/m2 observed, demonstrating how technology could an important strategy harvest industrial waste.