Shale Chem
Produced-water pit sample before and after OC 360 — no iron staining, fully clarified.
Field Results/Wastewater · OC 360

1/6 the dose. No staining.

Overview

A South LA company maintaining 5,000–10,000 BBL open pits had been using Ferric Chloride, dealing with worker safety, handling concerns, and iron staining. OC 360 performed at 1/6 the dose rate, with no acidic attack or staining.

Chemistry
OC 360 (polymeric coagulant)
Application
Pit remediation
Location
South Louisiana
Headline result
1/6 · the dose rate of ferric chloride
The short version
Problem
Large open produced-water pits (5,000–10,000 BBL) needed clarification, with worker-safety and iron-staining issues from the incumbent chemistry.
Previous approach
Ferric chloride — strongly acidic, with handling/safety concerns and iron staining.
Shale Chem approach
OC 360 polymeric coagulant, evaluated against the incumbent on the same pits.
Result
Effective at 1/6 the dose rate of ferric chloride, with no acidic attack and no staining.
Operational value
Safer handling and consistent results; adopted and used across numerous pits over several years.
Before & after
Pit water prior to treatment
Before
Pit water prior to treatment
Pit water after treatment with OC 360 and filtration
After
Pit water after treatment with OC 360 and filtration

A South LA-based company managing large open pits containing oilfield produced water faced challenges with Ferric Chloride, including worker safety, handling concerns, and iron staining. OC 360 was evaluated as an alternative and performed at just 1/6 the dose rate. The product eliminated acidic attack and staining issues, improving operational safety and efficiency. Based on these results, the customer successfully adopted OC 360 and has consistently treated numerous pits over the past several years with excellent outcomes.

Case details

  • A South LA based company that cleaned up large open pits (5,000–10,000 BBL) that contained oilfield produced water had been using Ferric Chloride.
  • Issues with worker safety, product handling, and iron staining were of concern.
  • A sample of OC 360 was sent for evaluation, and it performed at 1/6 the dose rate, plus it did not have the negative acidic attack and staining.
  • The customer proceeded to adopt the product and has treated numerous pits over the past several years.
Enhanced Safety

Safer handling for workers on site.

Lower Dose Rate

Effective at just 1/6 the typical usage.

No Staining

Prevents iron and acidic damage to pits.

Operational Efficiency

Improves treatment consistency and results.

Frequently asked

What challenges did the customer face with Ferric Chloride?
They encountered worker safety risks, handling difficulties, and iron staining issues in large open pits.
How did OC 360 perform compared to Ferric Chloride?
OC 360 was effective at just 1/6 the dose rate and eliminated acidic attack and staining concerns.
Is OC 360 cost-effective?
Yes — its much lower required dose rate and reduced operational issues make it cost-effective in practice.
Has OC 360 been successfully adopted in the field?
Yes, the customer has treated numerous pits over several years with consistent, positive results.
What are the main benefits of using OC 360 for pit treatment?
It enhances worker safety, reduces chemical usage, prevents staining, and improves overall operational efficiency.