Iron Sulfide Scale Removal Using Novel Organic Acids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing iron sulfide scale from oilfield components are ineffective and pose safety risks due to their limited solubility, complex composition, and the use of hazardous chemicals like strong acids or acrolein.
Innovation Solution
Compositions with a carbon-carbon double bond and an electron withdrawing group are used to break down iron sulfide scale into soluble components, offering safer and more effective removal by forming compounds that dissolve the scale, with specific structural formulas and solvents enhancing the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chemicals like THPS or chelate sequestrants are used to remove iron sulfide scale, then the removal process is relatively safe, but the effectiveness is limited due to low water solubility and complex composition of iron sulfide scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using a novel organic acid with specific molecular structure (containing carboxylic acid groups and electron-withdrawing groups) instead of conventional chemicals. This parameter change enables both high effectiveness in breaking down iron sulfide scale and maintains safety by avoiding highly toxic substances like acrolein
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite chemical composition consisting of a newly developed organic acid combined with specific solvents and additives. This composite material achieves synergistic effects that enhance scale removal capability while maintaining safety profile, overcoming the limitations of single-chemical approaches
2Productivity
If strong inorganic or organic acids are used to remove iron sulfide scale, then the effectiveness improves, but the safety deteriorates due to high corrosion and toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a novel organic acid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the need for effective scale removal and the requirement for safety. This intermediary chemical has sufficient reactivity to break down iron sulfide scale but lacks the extreme corrosivity and toxicity of strong inorganic acids, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a specially designed organic acid that can be applied at lower concentrations and shorter contact times compared to conventional acids. This approach achieves effective scale removal while minimizing harmful effects, effectively using a 'softer' chemical that is less persistent and less harmful to equipment and environment
3Productivity
If acrolein is used to remove iron sulfide scale, then the effectiveness is very high, but the safety deteriorates due to very high acute toxicity requiring extremely careful handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful property of high reactivity (which causes toxicity in acrolein) into a beneficial property by designing an organic acid with controlled reactivity. The novel chemical structure provides sufficient reactivity to effectively break down iron sulfide scale while the specific molecular design eliminates the extreme toxicity, thus converting the potential harm into benefit
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compositions achieve significant removal of iron sulfide scale (>80%) from oilfield components, improving equipment performance and oil/gas well production while being safer than conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
Compositions of the present disclosure generally include a carbon-carbon (C—C) double bond with an R1 group bonded to at least one of the double-bonded carbons. The R1 group includes an electron withdrawing group.
Implementation Method 2
Compositions in which both double-bonded carbons are bonded to an R1 group may be more effective at removing iron sulfide scale than compositions with only one R1 group and with H on the other double-bonded C.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to compositions, systems and methods for removing iron sulfide scale from a solid object, such as an oilfield component. The compositions include a carbon-carbon (C—C) double bond with an electron withdrawing group bonded to at least one of the double-bonded carbons.