Scale Inhibition

In the production of crude hydrocarbons, water is a byproduct of oil and gas extraction and needs to be separated from oil and gas to ensure that hydrocarbons meet the export or sales specifications of the refinery. However, this water is not only a waste product, but also causes inorganic salt precipitation during the production process, forming scale. The type and severity of scale depends on the unique chemical properties of the formation water and the temperature and pressure changes experienced by the fluid during the production and separation process. Common scales include calcium carbonate and barium sulfate, of which barium sulfate is extremely difficult to treat due to its extremely low solubility. Other scales such as strontium sulfate, ferrous carbonate and calcium sulfate can also have serious impacts on production, such as blocking wellheads, compromising oil layer production capacity, and even affecting equipment operation and safety.

To deal with scaling problems, oil fields usually adopt preventive and remedial measures, the most common of which is the continuous injection of chemical antiscalants in the production and water injection systems. These antiscalants prevent scale formation by preventing crystal growth or re-dissolving microcrystals. UNPChemicals’SCMET™ series of special scale inhibitors have undergone rigorous performance evaluation and have high-efficiency scale inhibition capabilities. They have also launched environmentally friendly green products that can provide reliable and sustainable solutions for the oil and gas extraction industry.