BKT AWARDED R&D GRANT FOR SHALE GAS REUSE PROJECT

Anaheim, CA — FMX technology — The South Korean Ministry of Trade Industry & Energy has granted a significant Research & Development project to environmental services company BKT. Over the next three years, the South Korean government will budget $6 million, matched by a contribution of $1.5 million from BKT, to facilitate the joint development of an environmentally conscious processing system for efficient reuse of shale gas fracking water.

The design of this new system is intended to incorporate BKT’s unique FMX membrane filtration technology, specialized in high solids, high density, and high viscosity liquid‐solid separation. The features of this easily mobilized FMX unit are particularly crucial to ensuring adaptability to the high fluctuations in the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) content of shale gas produced water.

Founded in 1995, BKT offers a wide range of customized water and energy solutions designed to promote a mission of innovation beyond waste. Since 2011, BKT has been investigating shale gas water reuse extensively, both through internal resources and in collaboration with the US Department of Energy (DOE).

The two‐year DOE project, initiated in 2012 with partner group Southern Research Institute (SRI), is focused on developing advanced technologies that address issues related to processes and methods for handling large volumes of hydraulic fracturing flow‐back water, as well as water produced during the longer term production phase. The program will optimize hydraulic fracturing water treatment and disposal of residues (high‐solid slurry and membrane concentrate) using BKT’s anti‐fouling FMX membrane system.

Thus, BKT now enters this new R&D project equipped with significant prior on‐site test experience, ample research data, and extensive partner network. With this additional funding, BKT is expected to move forward more aggressively in the shale gas industry.

“The technical team at BKT is extremely excited to further our existing knowledge,” said Dr. Joon H. Min, President at BKT, “We believe that our tradition of innovation will prove key to advancing technology in contributing a viable solution for environment friendly shale gas water management.”