What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to develop an integrated framework for optimizing produced-water management, focusing on minimizing saltwater disposal and maximizing profitability.

March 25, 2026WaterOpen Access

Surrogate-Assisted Techno-Economic Optimization to Reduce Saltwater Disposal via Produced-Water Valorization: A Permian Basin Case Study

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Authors

ATAyann TiamTexas Tech University EBElie BecharaTexas Tech University MWMarshall WatsonTexas Tech University

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Implication

Techno-economic optimization reduces saltwater disposal in the Permian Basin, suggesting new water management strategies.

Key Points

This research aims to develop an integrated framework for optimizing produced-water management, focusing on minimizing saltwater disposal and maximizing profitability.
Developed chemistry-informed surrogate models for unit process performance.
Created a network-based allocation model for routing produced-water through various treatment processes.
Optimized the process as a tri-objective problem with constraints on mass balance and regulatory limits.
Utilized Monte Carlo scenario sampling to analyze uncertainty in market conditions and recovery efficiencies.
Achieved a screening-level demonstration of break-even lithium concentrations for produced-water valorization.
Identified trade-offs between profitability and injection-risk mitigation through PARETO-efficient portfolios.
Showed that lithium market prices significantly influence mineral revenue potential against saltwater disposal costs.

Cite This Study

Tiam et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69c37b20b34aaaeb1a67d49e https://doi.org/10.3390/w18060739

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Surrogate-Assisted Techno-Economic Optimization to Reduce Saltwater Disposal via Produced-Water Valorization: A Permian Basin Case Study

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Key Points

Cite This Study

Surrogate-Assisted Techno-Economic Optimization to Reduce Saltwater Disposal via Produced-Water Valorization: A Permian Basin Case Study

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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