by Why Descaling is Important for Oil and Gas Industry
The buildup of scale can damage expensive equipment and reduce efficiency. In this article, we will explore the issue of scale in more detail and how effective descaling helps the industry.
What is Scale?
Scale refers to the hard mineral deposits that form inside pipelines, boilers, heat exchangers and other equipment used in oil and gas operations. It forms due to the precipitation of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide and other compounds present naturally in water. These compounds are dissolved in source water but start crystallizing and collecting inside pipes, tubes or vessel surfaces once the water pressure or temperature changes.
Over time, the scale builds up forming an insulating barrier. Some key problems this causes include:
– Loss of heat transfer efficiency: Scale acts as an insulator preventing effective heat transfer. This increases energy costs.
– Restricted flow: Scale constricts the inside diameter of pipes reducing flow capacity over time.
– Corrosion under deposits: Dissimilar metal corrosion can occur under thick layers of scale.
– Equipment damage: Thick hard scales can eventually crack or damage costly pipeline infrastructure.
– Production losses: Scale deposits impede critical processes like separation, causing loss in productivity.
Clearly, scale needs to be removed at regular intervals to ensure smooth operations and avoid unnecessary maintenance costs down the line. This is where chemical descaling solutions are used.
Choosing the Right Descaler
With oils and water being recycled heavily during production and processing, scale Oil and Gas Descaler happens very fast in oilfield operations. This makes chemical descaling an essential part of the regular maintenance protocol. However, not all descaling chemicals are suitable. Some important factors to consider include:
– Composition: The solution should have strong but safe acids and chelating agents to dissolve different kinds of scale quickly and completely.
– Temperature stability: It must be effective across a wide range of temperatures encountered in different equipment and processes.
– Environmental safety: The ingredients and byproducts should have minimal environmental impact after use.
– Economical: Frequent descaling is needed so the solution must offer good value over time.
Only reliable manufacturers thoroughly test their solutions under real field conditions before bringing them to market. Reputable brands like Ultrachem offer a complete range of high-performance descaling chemicals for all oil and gas applications.
Effective Descaling Procedure
To remove scale properly and protect equipment integrity, it is important descaling is carried out following standard operating procedures:
– Equipment isolation: Isolate the affected section using appropriate blinds, flanges or valves before breaking containment.
– Draining/venting: Drain liquid and/or vent gas from the system and rinse out residual content.
– Pre-cleaning: Use steam or mechanical methods like pigging to loosen heavy deposits beforehand if required.
– Descaler injection: Pump the solution into the target area ensuring complete immersion as per technical guidelines.
– Soaking time: Allow adequate time, typically a few hours, for the chemicals to dissolve all scales.
– Removal and disposal: Once the job is done, discharge the used solution as per environmental standards. Inspect and pressure test before putting back in service.
– Documentation: Maintain records of each cleaning for future reference and process improvement.
Proper execution can help address even severely calcified systems in the field to the satisfaction of operators. Compliance with safety is a top priority as well.
Benefits of Ongoing Descaling
Regular descaling as a scheduled activity leads to numerous advantages both direct and indirect for oil and gas facilities:
– Improved heat transfer: Removes scale insulating layers to regain maximum heat exchange efficiency. Helps reduce fuel bills.
– Unhindered flow assurance: Scales no longer restrict pipes and valves delivering higher throughput.
– Reduced maintenance: By clearing scales proactively, descaling prevents more serious equipment problems and repair works.
– Extended asset life: Well maintained infrastructure lasts longer saving on pre-mature replacements.
– Optimization of processes: Descaling ensures critical unit operations like separation run seamlessly.
– Enhanced safety: Eliminates under-deposit corrosion that can potentially cause pipeline rupturing.
– Regulatory compliance: Most oilfield facilities now mandate regular scale removal as best practice.
With scale being a perennial challenge, choosing the most cost-effective and powerful chemical descaler is fundamental to the productivity and profitability of oil and gas operations over the long run. Developing a robust cleaning schedule ensures continuing benefits are attained through proactive maintenance strategy.
Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
