Search
Filters
Close

Laboratory Evaluation of Scale Inhibitors Used in OTSG Boilers for Control of Silica Related Scale

The production of heavy oil or bitumen depends upon continuous steam injection to fluidize the oil in the formation. Most of the boilers used in steam generation to enhance oil production are gas-powered once-through-steam-generation (OTSG), because OTSG’s can tolerate hard water and are relatively easy to maintain. Since an approximate 80% of feedwater is vaporized in a single pass, silica/silicate scales could form in the OTSG boiler if the silica content in the feedwater is not well controlled.

Product Number: 51323-18761-SG
Author: Dong Shen, Kung-Po Chao, Swamy Margan
Publication Date: 2023
$0.00
$20.00
$20.00

Natural gas-fired once-through-steam-generation (OTSG) boilers are commonly used to produce a large quantity of steam to enhance heavy oil production. Since approximately 80% of the feedwater is vaporized in a single pass, the risk of silica scale deposition in the boiler tubes can be severe when high-level silica is present in the feedwater. One method to minimize the potential of silica scale formation is to reduce the silica concentration in the feedwater. Yet the silica removal process adds substantial capital and operating costs. Alternatively, the application of silica inhibitors is proven to prevent formation of silica scales in OTSG boilers. However, the effectiveness of these silica inhibitors has not been well demonstrated via laboratory tests because of the complex nature of silica formation.

Natural gas-fired once-through-steam-generation (OTSG) boilers are commonly used to produce a large quantity of steam to enhance heavy oil production. Since approximately 80% of the feedwater is vaporized in a single pass, the risk of silica scale deposition in the boiler tubes can be severe when high-level silica is present in the feedwater. One method to minimize the potential of silica scale formation is to reduce the silica concentration in the feedwater. Yet the silica removal process adds substantial capital and operating costs. Alternatively, the application of silica inhibitors is proven to prevent formation of silica scales in OTSG boilers. However, the effectiveness of these silica inhibitors has not been well demonstrated via laboratory tests because of the complex nature of silica formation.

Also Purchased