Sulphate Removal Systems (SRU)
An SRU is a nanofiltration plant on the seawater treatment train.
Sulphate removal for reliable seawater treatment
Seawater naturally contains high concentrations of sulphate ions. When untreated seawater is injected into a reservoir, sulphate can react with barium, strontium and calcium present in formation water. This can lead to the formation of mineral scale in wells, pipelines and production equipment, restricting flow and increasing maintenance requirements. Sulphate Removal Units are used to reduce the sulphate concentration in seawater before injection. By controlling sulphate levels, the system helps minimize scale formation, protect reservoir performance and support reliable long-term water injection.
How It Works
Sulphate Removal uses selective nanofiltration membranes that allow water and smaller dissolved ions to pass through while retaining a significant proportion of sulphate and other multivalent ions. Pretreated seawater is pressurized and passed through the membrane modules. The low-sulphate permeate is then routed for further treatment or injection, while the sulphate-rich concentrate is separated from the process. Vulkan Engineering designs Sulphate Removal Units as part of an integrated seawater treatment system, considering feedwater quality, membrane performance, required sulphate concentration, operating pressure, chemical dosing, cleaning philosophy and long-term system reliability.
Key Benefits
- Prevents barium/strontium scaling
- Suppresses reservoir souring (H₂S)
- Nanofiltration sulphate rejection
- Tuned to the full treatment chain
- CIP & biocide regime monitored