Low Shear Pumps and Valves are among the Best Available Techniques (BAT) listed in the European Commission Guidance Document on upstream hydrocarbon exploration and production, developed specifically with regard to environmental protection.

Under Produced Water Handling and Management, the Guidance Document recommends to «Consider technology to prevent shearing of oil droplets during treatment, such as low shear valves and low shear pumps, since larger oil droplets are easier to separate. »

The main driver behind the Guidance Document is to improve protection of the environment. The identification of best practice in the document is intended to serve as guidance for organizations engaged in hydrocarbons activities and for the regulatory/permitting authorities to draw upon when planning new facilities or carrying out modifications to existing facilities, planning changes and investments, as well as in permitting activities across the European Union (EU).

Link to the Guidance Document (doi.org/10.2779/607031)