Optimizing the Recycling of Flowback Water in Hydraulic Fracturing with Consideration of Seasonal and Environmental Limitations

A mathematical programming formulation for the best flowback water management in shale gas wells is presented in this chapter. The formulation takes into consideration the possibilities for treatment, storage, reuse, and disposal in addition to the flowback water dependent on time. Both the environmental and economic goals are considered. Finding the lowest possible cost for fresh water, treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation is the objective of the economic function. The use of fresh water and wastewater disposal are taken into consideration by the environmental objectives. A reuse network with treatment is suggested to implement the water integration. The model also takes seasonal variations in the availability of freshwater into account. A specified timetable for the well completion phases must be followed. Lastly, a sample problem is provided to demonstrate how the presented methodology might be used.