The VelRay X project aims to transform water management in Alberta’s oil and gas industry by introducing an advanced fine particle filtration system, specifically engineered for challenging and variable water streams—making it an ideal solution for hydraulic fracturing operations. The VelRay X filtration system, housed within a mobile trailer, is designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability by effectively removing total suspended solids from water streams utilized in hydraulic fracturing. This innovative system streamlines the entire water lifecycle, from sourcing to flowback filtration, significantly reducing single-use filter waste, maintenance demands, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The VelRay X system employs state-of-the-art particle separation techniques, including centrifugal force, axial spin, cross-flow filtration, and a self-cleaning mechanism. These features ensure the removal of fine particles down to 20 microns, enhancing water quality and minimizing the reliance on chemical treatments. This technology overcomes the significant limitations of traditional bag filters, currently the industry standard, which are prone to clogging and require frequent replacements—resulting in high operational costs and increased environmental impacts.
By extending filter lifespan and reducing maintenance needs, the VelRay X provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution capable of handling high solids loading with its self-cleaning functionality. This represents a significant improvement in emissions performance and operational efficiency within the hydraulic fracturing sector. The project seeks to advance the VelRay X mobile filtration component from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 to TRL 9 through pilot-scale testing and real-world full-scale deployment, ensuring consistent performance across diverse operational conditions.