Patent attributes
There is provided herein a system and method for de-toxifying and de-scaling source water. In some embodiments, source water will be mixed with either an aluminum source or an iron source to separate endotoxins from acidic proteins and convert the naturally present bicarbonate in source water to carbon dioxide. Endotoxins and carbon dioxide will then be removed from source water by a stage of hydrophobic membranes to produce de-toxified and de-carbonated source water. Calcium hydroxide will be mixed with the de-toxified and de-carbonated source water to form precipitates comprising foulants and sulfate. A recoverable and reusable amine solvent will also be used to induce efficient precipitation. Possible reuse applications for the treated source water by the inventive methods that minimize excessive uses of potable water may include hydro-fracturing of shale and sand formations and heavy oil recovery by steam injection.
