51315-5916-Study of Surface Deposition and Bulk Scaling Kinetics in Oilfield Conditions Using an In Situ Flow Rig

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Product Number: 51315-5916-SG

ISBN: 5916 2015 CP

Author: Olujide Sanni

Publication Date: 2015

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Scaling poses a devastating threat to oil production and distribution in the oil and gas industry. Several attempts have been made to remove prevent or minimise scale formation. Scale management is often a complex mixture of prediction inhibition and sometimes removal strategies. Still for scale formation at solid surfaces the kinetics are not well understood and rates are not able to be accurately predicted. Reliable prediction of CaCO3 scaling for estimating scale production in oilfield production wells and surface facilities requires both thermodynamic models to indicate the tendency for scaling from solution and kinetic models to predict the rate of scaling and thus the time required to cause blockage or loss of functionality. Studies have also shown that scale inhibition efficiency and the effects on crystal morphology vary between surface and bulk processes. Research regarding the use of modified surfaces to prevent scaling has mainly focused on the use of anti-stick surfaces based on the assumption that surface deposition is as a result of particles from bulk solution migrating and sticking to the surface.This study assesses CaCO3 scale precipitation and deposition in-situ and in real-time measured in a once-through flow rig that allows for consideration and assessment of various scaling indices temperatures flow velocities inhibitor concentrations and different surface treatments. The rig has been designed to combine measurement of turbidity in the bulk real time visualization of scale build up on the surface in-situ pH and conductivity measurements. In this first paper the kinetics of CaCO3 formation are evaluated from image analysis; the surface coverage number of particles and average size of the particles with time are assessed.Three brines with different saturation ratios at different temperatures have been considered. The results show the variation in their respective turbidity surface coverage number of particles average particle size and distribution with time. The facility allows for a mechanistic understanding of scale build up on the surfaces in flowing condition and at the same time improves on the understanding of surface and bulk scaling kinetics measured in-situ and in real time.