Iron sulfide scale causes many operational problems in the oil industry. For example, accumulation of iron sulfide particles around the wellbore area can result in loss of injectivity or productivity of the wells. Hydrochloric acid can be used to remove some iron sulfide deposits. However, this process produces hydrogen sulfide; a toxic and corrosive gas. In addition, hydrogen sulfide reacts with ferric ions and precipitates elemental sulfur. Elemental sulfur is insoluble in acids, practically impossible to dissolve, corrosive, and can damage the formation. Hydrogen sulfide reacts with ferrous ion and re-precipitates iron sulfide at pH values greater than 2. An experimental study was conducted to assess acid reaction with iron sulfide. Iron sulfide sticks were ground, sieved and particles of less than...
Keywords: iron sulfide, scale, hydrogen sulfide scavengers