ABSTRACT
Produced water is a large and growing problem. It is defined as the water that exists in the subsurface formation, and is brought to the surface during oil and gas production. Eventually, the production of crude oil and natural gas is usually associated with the production of water. During the early life of the petroleum fields, water-free production of oil and gas is normally experienced. However, water will eventually be produced later. The produced water may be water that exists within the petroleum reservoir as connate water or bottom water. Alternatively, water may be produced as a result of water-flooding operations, where water is injected into the reservoir to enhance the recovery.
