Produced water field trial in Colorado, USA
LiqTech worked with a major operator in Colorado’s DJ Basin to validate QureFlow™ ceramic crossflow ultrafiltration under real produced water conditions. The trial evaluated treatment performance through feedwater upsets, elevated temperatures and extended operation.
Location: DJ Basin, Colorado, USA
Application: Oil and gas produced water treatment
Project type: Field pilot
Trial period: November 2024–May 2025
Pilot treatment rate: 1,500 barrels of water per day
Technology: QureFlow™ silicon carbide ceramic crossflow ultrafiltration
Key results: 99% removal of diesel- and oil-range organics (TPH C12–C35), with iron below 1 ppm in the treated permeate
Produced water quality can change rapidly. Sudden increases in oil and suspended contaminants place additional demands on treatment equipment, making consistent water quality and reliable operation difficult to maintain.
For the DJ Basin trial, the challenge was to demonstrate dependable filtration during these changing conditions while limiting operator intervention. The system also needed to operate at elevated water temperatures through Colorado’s winter conditions.
The objective was to establish a reliable primary treatment step that could support produced water recycling and prepare the water for downstream treatment where required.
LiqTech deployed QureFlow™ ceramic crossflow ultrafiltration using silicon carbide membranes in an enclosed, automated treatment system.
The process combined oxidation and controlled coagulant dosing with membrane filtration. Hydrogen peroxide dosing could be adjusted to meet the site’s iron-removal targets, while crossflow maintained movement along the membrane surface to limit fouling.
Why silicon carbide ceramic membranes
Resilience during feedwater upsets. The membrane filtration stage continued treating produced water during documented contamination spikes.
Automated operation. Sequential backwashing and system controls supported operation without continuous operator attendance.
Cleaning in place. Membrane performance could be restored within the system, supporting longer operating cycles.
Operation at elevated temperatures. The pilot operated at approximately 110°F (43°C), demonstrating filtration under the site’s actual temperature conditions.
Optimizing crossflow
The trial also examined how crossflow affected filtration performance. Testing without crossflow resulted in unsustainable membrane fouling. Optimizing crossflow velocity enabled sustainable filtration while reducing power consumption.
This provided a practical basis for balancing reliable operation with pumping demand.
The field trial demonstrated stable treatment through variable feed conditions and multiple documented upsets.
Key results included:
The treated water remained a brine. Further treatment could be selected according to the intended reuse application and its water-quality requirements.
Why it matters
The DJ Basin trial demonstrates the value of evaluating produced water filtration against actual operating variability.
By combining ceramic membranes, optimized crossflow and automated cleaning, QureFlow™ maintained treatment performance under demanding field conditions. The results provide a reference for operators seeking more dependable produced water pretreatment with less reliance on continuous manual intervention.
Looking for reliable produced water treatment?
Explore QureFlow™ ceramic membrane filtration or contact our team to discuss your feedwater conditions, treatment requirements and reuse objectives.
