How Much Does a Frac Water Distillation Plant Cost?

Frac water, also known as hydraulic fracturing water, is used in the process of extracting natural gas and oil from shale formations. However, this water contains a variety of impurities, including minerals, chemicals, and bacteria, that make it difficult for reuse without treatment. This is where frac water distillation plants come into play. These plants purify contaminants and produce clean water that can be reused in the fracking process. But how much does it cost to install and operate a frac water distillation plant?

Installation Costs

The installation cost of a frac water distillation plant varies depending on several factors, such as the plant's size, location, and complexity. On average, a standard frac water distillation plant with a processing capacity of around 1,000 barrels per day can cost between $2 million to $5 million. However, larger plants with a processing capacity of up to 10,000 barrels per day can cost as much as $50 million to install. The costs can also significantly be impacted by the source and quantity of water being treated, the ability to access or drill for water, the transportation, and other logistical issues.

Operational Costs

After installation, a frac water distillation plant's operational cost depends on various factors, such as energy source, labour, raw water source, and the degree of water contamination. Plants that use more energy or consume more raw materials tend to incur higher operational costs. Some of the significant operational cost factors include electricity, chemical costs, maintenance, labour, residual waste management, and other operating expenses.

Electricity Costs: The energy source used greatly impacts the electricity costs needed to operate a frac water distillation plant. Plants that rely on electricity from the grid may incur high energy costs due to the fluctuating cost of energy in the market. Plants that rely on self-generation of power (solar, wind, or hydroelectric) enjoy lower electricity costs and increase the plant's economic viability.

Labour Costs: The number of employees required to run the plant can vary depending on the plant's size and complexity, as well as surrounding environmental and social demands.

Raw Water Costs: Raw water prices vary significantly based on the water source, location, season, and demand. In some cases, companies drill wastewater wells to obtain water for treatment, which can increase the operational costs by adding the cost of drilling, which can also depend on several interrelated factors, such as water quality, depth, and existing infrastructure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of installing and operating a frac water distillation plant will depend on several factors. These will vary depending on the plant's size, location, and complexity, the types of energy source used, the amount and quality of water being treated, raw material costs, labor costs, and several other related factors unique to each plant. However, despite the initial high installation costs, the cost benefits of reusing water and the potential environmental and social benefits of using this technology can offset the costs of installation and provide long-term sustainability benefits.