Client
OMV Petrom SA
Location
Suplacu de Barcau, Romania
Capacity
8,000 m³/day
Industrial Effluent Treatment Plant for Sustainable Oilfield Operations in Romania
WABAG developed a first-of-its-kind produced water treatment plant at the Suplacu de Barcau oilfield for OMV Petrom SA, Romania’s largest oil and gas producer. Designed specifically for upstream oilfield conditions, the facility treats produced water rich in non-biodegradable organic compounds and complex contaminants released during crude oil extraction. The plant supports long-term resource efficiency by enabling environmentally safe discharge and reducing the ecological footprint of oilfield operations.
Tailor-Made Treatment Solution Built for Romania’s Largest Oilfield
Every produced water stream in oilfields is unique. To address the demanding characteristics of the Suplacu de Barcau oilfield effluent, WABAG engineered a treatment scheme that integrates physical, chemical and biological processes with advanced filtration and adsorption. This custom-designed solution ensures high treatment efficiency and compliance with stringent environmental discharge norms.
Multi-Stage Treatment Process for High-Performance Produced Water Management
The plant’s treatment scheme incorporates:
- Equalization
- Coagulation and flocculation
- Dissolved air flotation (DAF)
- Cooling towers (55°C down to 35°C)
- Biological treatment (activated sludge process)
- Lamella clarifiers and dual media filtration
- Activated carbon filtration for extended COD removal
- 2-phase centrifuge sludge dewatering
The multi-barrier approach ensures robust removal of oil, suspended solids and refractory pollutants.
Supporting Environmental Compliance and Cleaner Oil Production
By treating produced water before discharge, the facility significantly reduces the pollutant load on the environment. With an output of up to 1,000 t/d, the plant supports clean operational practices for Romania’s largest oilfield, demonstrating OMV Petrom’s commitment to responsible resource management.
EPC Delivery for a High-Complexity Industrial Effluent Treatment Plant
The project scope included:
- Detailed design and engineering
- Equipment supply
- Construction, installation and testing
- Site commissioning and handover
Delivered on a turnkey basis, the project ensures complete lifecycle integration and operational readiness.
Advanced Treatment Technologies for Produced Water
The Suplacu de Barcau produced water treatment plant incorporates:
- DAF and physico-chemical treatment
- Cooling tower-based temperature conditioning
- Activated sludge biological system
- Dual media filtration and activated carbon adsorption
- Mechanical sludge dewatering
These technologies provide a strong and reliable solution for one of the most challenging wastewater streams in the Oil & Gas industry.
Measured Environmental and Operational Impact
The facility enables the safe discharge of treated effluent into the natural environment, ensuring full compliance with regulatory norms. By significantly reducing pollutant loads associated with crude oil production, the plant improves the overall environmental footprint of oilfield operations. In addition, the treatment and reuse of produced water reduce the dependency on freshwater sources, supporting long-term sustainability and resource efficiency in oilfield operations.