Techniques commonly applied to the treatment of hydraulic fracturing waste generated during oil production are limited in oil-water separation, dissolved solids removal and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction efficiencies. A solution in the form of a low-temperature dielectric barrier discharge plasma process has been advanced by researchers in China.

Low-temperature plasma operates effectively under standard temperature and pressure conditions, offering advantages such as ease of operation, cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. The experimental system described in Nature Scientific Reports used an AC high voltage power supply operating at a central frequency of 10 kHz. When applied to a simulated fracturing flowback fluid composed of hydroxypropyl guar gum solution, the dielectric barrier discharge plasma scheme achieved significant degradation of the fluid at a discharge voltage of 18 kV for 120 minutes.

A COD removal rate and solution degradation efficiency of 78.07% and 70.92%, respectively, were documented. The COD reduction achieved with this approach implemented by researchers from Northeast Petroleum University surpassed that which can be attained with available physical and biological treatment methods. Viscosity was substantially lowered, and the solution pH was also reduced from 7 to 2.

This treatment technology is expected to provide high degradation efficiency and minimal energy waste for the oil and gas sector.