Historically, calcite scaling downhole and in surface equipment was a common problem on an offshore oil production platform, primarily due to commingling of produced water from high bicarbonate and high calcium zones. As much as 180 ppm scale inhibitor had not controlled scale
deposition in production headers, free water knockout (FWKO), water tanks and water lines. In some cases, plugging of power oil pumps was attributed to incompatibility of scale inhibitor with produced water. Over the years, various phosphonates and a phosphate ester had been utilized for scale control without success. More recently, a low molecular weight polymer had been selected based on compatibility and inhibition performance but scale was still not under control. Laboratory testing was
initiated to screen inhibitors, first for brine compatibility and then, utilizing procedures that incorporated suspended solids such as calcite and kaolinite, in inhibition performance. A summary of laboratory data
generated will be presented. Successful field results following the start of treatment with the selected inhibitor will be discussed.