Phase two of the expansion of the Nimr Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) in Oman has been completed six weeks ahead of schedule
The expansion means that the NWTP treatment capacity has increased from 45,000 to 95,000 cubic metres per day.
NWTP has treated produced water generated by Petroleum Development Oman?s (PDO?s) oil fields in southern Oman since early 2011.
It is one of the world's biggest commercial natural water treatment systems covering more than 700 hectares of constructed wetlands.
"During the past couple of years, our engineering team and construction partners have been working hard to develop this unique project,? said Dennis Kronborg Alexandersen, regional sales and business development manager of BAUER Nimr LLC.
?With the successful completion of our construction activities in Nimr, we have achieved an impressive milestone.
?Our day-to-day activities have shifted towards plant operation, however we also conduct research studies and intend to develop new water and environment projects with the oil and gas industry.?
Wetland specialist, Dr. Thomas Headley, explained, "We have received several local and international awards for our sustainable and innovative approach to managing produced water.
?Having planted around two million reeds, we have actually created a wetland oasis in the desert, providing habitat for fish and hundreds of species of migratory birds.?
The produced water in NWTP runs through a series of reed beds which break down the hydrocarbons before the purified water is collected in evaporation ponds.
All of this is done without pumps or the use of any electricity and the process also enables a significant amount of crude oil to be recovered from the produced water.
