An increase of US $0.10/m3 in the OPEX and a 55% boost in the value referring to the CAPEX, by increasing the water recovery rate from 80% to 95% were observed. It was found that, under an optimal CFV (2.0 m·s−1) and considering the water recovery rate equal to 95%, the cost related to OPEX and TC were, respectively, US$0.23/m3 and US$3.21/m3.
The CAPEX for a full scale plant, capable of treating 1000 m3·h−1 of produced water, was estimated at MUS$7.33. In all of the experimental conditions assessed, it was possible to generate a ermeate stream with oil and grease content (CO) lower than 5 mg·L−1.