Overview
Topic status: In progress
Coal Seam Gas (CSG) is one of the newest and most controversial methods for mining natural gas in QLD, and the industry is facing even tougher regulations for the discharge of wastewater (brine) formed during the extraction process. CSG is natural gas and is mainly methane gas sorbed (absorbed and adsorbed) in underground coal beds. The extraction of CSG requires significant amounts of CSG water, which generally exhibits a substantial dissolved salt content and relatively elevated sodium, low calcium, and low magnesium concentrations. These waters have adverse effects on soil structures and significantly reduce water infiltration rates for plant life. Therefore, economical treatment technologies are required to purify the brine to enable safe disposal into nearby streams or to be used as irrigation water. Initial work will involve the full characterisation of CSG water and will then focus on testing a range of chemical, physical and adsorption processes for the removal of sodium and salts in the brine. All methods investigated will need to be tested for its performance in the reduction of salt and sodium content, and whether the treated brine will meet discharge/irrigation regulations imposed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Further Information: Students working on this project will coordinate tests with Montgomery Watson and Harza (Environmental consultancy agency) and Santos (Coal Seam Gas company).
- Study level
- PhD, Masters, Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
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Please contact the supervisors.
Dr Sara Couperthwaite
Professor Godwin Ayoko
Emeritus Professor Ray Frost
