Weatherford recognised for environmental stewardship in South Texas

Weatherford accepted the 2015 Eagle Ford Excellence Award for Environmental Stewardship from the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable (STEER). The award recognised the water recycling programme at Weatherford's Corpus Christi pipe plant.

As part of its service offerings, Weatherford supplies oil and gas producers with drill pipe for use during onshore drilling operations. The drill pipe is often lubricated using oil-base muds, which may contain diesel or mineral oil and which can be difficult to clean off of the pipe after the operation is complete. Weatherford historically relied on third-party contractors to clean the used drill pipe, but reassessed that reliance in 2012.

With the dual goals of cost savings and enhanced environmental stewardship, Weatherford decided to bring the pipe-cleaning process in house. The company designed and installed a customised wastewater treatment and recycling system at its existing facility in Corpus Christi. The water recycling programme has drastically reduced the facility's freshwater requirements from 2.2 million gallons per year to 17 000 gallons per year. In addition, the recycling system has eliminated the need to discharge wastewater to the city sewer, thereby reducing environmental liability while also realising savings on water use, sewer fees and potential discharge permitting.

“Water conservation was a primary focus from the start,” said Patrick Ford, US Environmental Manager for Weatherford. “We are pleased that STEER has recognised our efforts to protect the environment in which we live and work.”

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/03122015/weatherford-recognised-for-environmental-stewardship-in-south-texas/