'Frac Pit Art'

A Pennsylvania company, Process Plants Corporation of Cranberry Township, specializes in the on-site treatment of frac water. More information, including a PDF briefly explaining its methodology and positive attributes may be found online. Look here at its photo gallery of “Frac Pit Art”  >>>

Here are excerpts from the company’s website:
“(PPC) is pleased to provide Exploration&Production companies with a simple and extremely effective way to treat Frac water by removing dissolved and suspended solids to a level where the water may be acceptable for re-use.

“Where the Marcellus shale is present, the Frac water has similar items found in AMD (acid mine drainage). Our process has been successful in treating Acid Mine Discharge and removed the same metals that are present in Frac water.  

“Our system injects oxygen into the frac water, precipitating metallic salts and sulfates.  Depending on the number of passes, (exceeds 60,000 TDS - retreat 2nd pass) the insoluble contaminants may be removed from the pit water. Frac flow back pit water will be treated using the PPC system to remove all heavy metals (iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al)) and dissolved chemicals (Sulfur).

“It is estimated to take approximately 80 hours to treat the large pit totally and letting it settle; it is possible to pump fairly clean water to the smaller pit.  Procedures fit for small footprint and a desire to re-use water. PPC personnel present to provide Technical guidance through out the treatment.”

And here is an excerpt from the PDF, “Frac Flowback Water Treatment Water Recovery System”:

“As outlined in the proposal, the economic recycling of frac flowback water will increase efficiencies in fracture treatment by lowering water acquisition and transportation costs. It will reduce overall truck traffic which in turn will reduce dust which can be a significant impact to local residents. The economic reuse of frac flowback water will also reduce disposal costs which improves the economics of oil exploration which frees up capital to invest in more exploration.

“Reuse of frac flowback water will also reduce competition for fresh water reources and/or conserve it for other beneficial uses. Fresh water is critical to energy development and conserving its use is highly desirable and will promote good will with others who rely on fresh water for domestic, agricultural, and other purposes as well as promote the oil and gas industry as good corporate neighbors and citizens.

“The reduction in truck traffic will have additional benefits such as reducing the impact caused by dust to livestock that may be in the area and will promote positive relationships with people living and working in the area. Reduced truck traffic will also reduce the risk of transportation related accidents, accidental discharges, as well as wear and tear on highways and local roads.”