Injection Well Options for Sustainable Disposal of Desalination Concentrate

Abstract

Developing an environmentally sound and economical concentrate disposal method is a critical element for desalination systems, particularly when a surface water outfall is not a viable option. Disposal of concentrate in injection wells is a viable solution that requires favorable local hydrogeological conditions. Injection well success also depends on operational issues, such as well design and pretreatment of injected concentrate. Poorly designed and operated systems underperform and ultimately fail, which might force a water treatment plant to shut down. Shallow, deep high-capacity, and deep high-pressure injection wells are used to dispose of concentrate and other brines.