[ Product listing ](/en/technologies-1 " Product listing") #### The Sulfate Removal Process (SRP) extracts the sulfates from seawater prior to injection and utilizes a mix of technologies [Contact an expert](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/contact) [Overview](#1) [Applications](#2) [Services](#3) [Resources](#4) [Contact](#5) [Case Studies](#6) ## Overview The Sulfate Removal Process (SRP) extracts the sulfates from seawater prior to injection into the oil-bearing reservoir. SRP utilizes state-of-the-art nanofiltration membranes to selectively remove sulfate from injection seawater while leaving other salts (sodium, chloride, etc.) substantially unaffected, thus maintaining the stability and permeability of the formation clays. This economical and efficient prevention of scale avoids the need for chemical or mechanical intervention. ### How does the Sulfate Removal Process work? To minimize the volume of feed seawater required, the sulfate removal membranes are configured in a two-to-one brine array. **Optimization of the feed-to-product ratio at circa 75%** The seawater feed is introduced to the first array of membranes, allowing 50% of the feed to pass through the membrane material while rejecting sulfates on the membrane surface. The 50% reject water (brine) is then fed to the second array of membranes, where a further 50% passes through as low sulfate water. The two flows of low sulfate water are blended to achieve an impressive overall recovery rate of 75%. The 75% low sulfate seawater is injected into the formation, while the remaining 25% of high sulfate reject is discharged overboard safely without endangering the environment. [Do you have a question about this technology? Ask an expert.](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/contact) ![Sulphate Removal Process diagram](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/media/public/image/2024/07/SRP-diagram.jpg.webp?itok=AtyQ0YM6) ## Features and benefits ![Offshore platform on a boat picto](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2024/07/FPSO-picto.png.webp?itok=miBDCB1F) Reduces seawater sulfate (SO4) concentration ![ENVIRONMENT picto](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2022/04/environment-picto-64.png.webp?itok=5f40rqf3) Meets the stringent design and environmental criteria related to offshore platforms ![Safety picto](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/11/Safety-picto.png.webp?itok=YJXnE8dZ) Reduces safety hazards associated with hydrogen sulfide ![Piktogramm für Kosteneffizienz](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2022/08/kosteneffizienz.png.webp?itok=e2cW29ny) Eliminates economic and operational impacts ![Circle with pollutants inside and a cross for health picto](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2024/07/Health-new-pollutants-picto.png.webp?itok=RZGhDeas) Prevents well souring by controlling sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) ![Wastewater treatment picto](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/11/wastewater-treatment-picto-64px.png.webp?itok=S5UC2njg) Assists in maintaining reservoir permeability by limiting formation plugging caused by scaling ## Applications [ ![Desalination content push](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/06/desal.jpg.webp?itok=BQtCCiER) ](/en/applications/desalination "Desalination") [Desalination](/en/applications/desalination "Desalination") A key solution to fight water scarcity. [Read more](/en/applications/desalination "Desalination") [ ![Two workers wearing helmets, masks and gloves in a wastewater treatment plant. © Médiathèque VEOLIA - Jérôme Sevrette / ANDIA](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/05/VEOLIA_StJeanLaPoterie_JeromeSevrette_Andia_52.jpg.webp?itok=f3QoqZWE) ](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") [Industrial wastewater treatment](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") Technologies, services and process expertise to meet environmental requirements, remove contaminants and transform wastewater into a resource. [Read more](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") [ ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2023/02/Groundwater-remediation.png.webp?itok=sbmvau7v) ](/en/applications/groundwater-treatment "Groundwater remediation") [Groundwater remediation](/en/applications/groundwater-treatment "Groundwater remediation") A full range of technologies ensuring high performance groundwater treatment and groundwater remediation. [Read more](/en/applications/groundwater-treatment "Groundwater remediation") ## Services [ ![Woman checking plant's machinery - wearing safety hat and glasses.](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/07/Content%20push%20%28298%C2%A0%C3%97%C2%A0229%C2%A0px%29%20%287%29.png.webp?itok=W0KNyVSR) ](/en/aquaservice "Aquaservice™") [Aquaservice™](/en/aquaservice "Aquaservice™") A comprehensive range of service offerings with bundled packages for optimum performance and peace of mind. [LEARN MORE](/en/aquaservice) [ ![Hubgrade make your ressources smarter banner ](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2021/12/210394_VWT_CORPOC_HUBGRADE_web_banner_1542x528.jpg.webp?itok=HkeBYHRm) ](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions "Hubgrade digital solutions") [Hubgrade digital solutions](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions "Hubgrade digital solutions") A combination of digital tools and Veolia expertise that make all your water processes smarter, safer and more sustainable. [LEARN MORE](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions) [ ![Service man controlling valves](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2019/06/Service.jpg.webp?itok=hm8uob12) ](/en/services/installed-base-services "Installed Base Services") [Installed Base Services](/en/services/installed-base-services "Installed Base Services") Providing best-in-class water treatment services tailored to your exact needs to optimize the operational performance of your facility. [LEARN MORE](/en/services/installed-base-services) [ ![hydrex Water treatment chemical programs ](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/01/Copy%20of%20Jebel%20Ali%20LHW-2495.jpg.webp?itok=lREeBTy8) ](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs "Water treatment chemical programs") [Water treatment chemical programs](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs "Water treatment chemical programs") Bundling high performance specialty chemicals, innovative dosing and controlling equipment with related expert support. [LEARN MORE](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs) ## Resources [PDF Upstream energy - EOR seawater injection sulfate removal process brochure (2.13 MB) ](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/document/2024/07/SRP-Upstream%20Brochure.pdf) ## Contact At VWS Westgarth Ltd, we maintain the highest standards through our people. We have extensive experience in our work and couple this with a culture that ensures collaboration, innovation and drive to perform. ![Daniel Vallance picture](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2024/07/Danny-Vallance-new.jpg.webp?itok=d511z6qL) #### Daniel Vallance Manager of Projects **Contact Daniel through his** [**LinkedIn account**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-vallance-mba-86ab9342/) ## FAQ about SRP ### What is a sulfate removal system? The Sulfate Removal Process (SRP) is a method that takes out sulfates from seawater before it is put into oil reservoirs. This is a cost-effective way to stop the build-up of scales that can happen when untreated water mixes with elements like barium or strontium in the water found in oil formations. This process doesn't affect other salts like sodium or chloride. ### How does sulfate removal work? In the Sulfate Removal Process (SRP), seawater is processed through two membrane arrays. The first array filters half the water, leaving sulfate behind. The sulfate-rich remainder is then processed by the second array, producing more low-sulfate water. These flows are combined for a 75% recovery rate, while the remaining 25% of high-sulfate water is safely discharged. ### What are the benefits of sulfate removal? - Prevents well souring by controlling sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) - Assists in maintaining reservoir permeability by limiting formation plugging caused by scaling - Eliminates economic and operational impacts resulting from scaling in the reservoir - Significantly reduces sulfate scale precipitation in production wells ### Why use a sulfate removal process? The reduction of natural sulfate content in seawater is a crucial aspect of offshore water injection systems, often referred to as Sulfate Removal. The primary goal is to lower the sulfate levels to a point where the risks of scaling and souring are effectively eliminated. ## Case Studies ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/show_case_card/public/image/2024/07/Buzios.-case-studtyjpg.jpg.webp?itok=E_FoHArG) Brazil MODEC - Offshore Located in the southeast of the Brazilian coast, near Rio de Janeiro, Buzios is one of the offshore oil and gas fields operated by Almirante Barroso. MODEC, in charge of its engineering, procurement, construction and mobilization, required a seawater treatment process module for sulfate removal. The project consists of the design and equipment procurement with the construction of the sulfate removal membrane rack, and the provision of technical support for the main module construction of low sulfate injection water. ## Technologies related to SRP [ ![Membrane rack](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/vwt_product_content_push/public/image/2024/11/Sea-Water-reverse-osmosis-push.jpg.webp?itok=unimBt4V) ### Sea Water Reverse Osmosis The SWRO process removes salts from seawater used in crude oil desalting and utilities using a mix of technologies. Membrane Filtration - reverse osmosis ](/en/solution/technologies/sea-water-reverse-osmosis)