Laser Induction for Subsea Barium Sulfate Scale Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The low temperature of the seabed in deep water depths reduces the efficiency of chemical scaling removal reactions in subsea production systems, leading to incomplete dissolution of barium and strontium sulfate scales.
Innovation Solution
The application of laser induction technology to promote complexation reactions between DTPA chelator and barium and strontium sulfate scales, increasing the yield of the dissolution reaction even at room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical scaling removal treatment is performed by pumping chelating solution through production lines, then the scaling removal reaction occurs, but the temperature of the solution decreases due to heat exchange with the seabed, reducing the efficiency of the reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser induction to change the energy state of the chelating solution, transforming optical energy into chemical activation energy. This parameter change enables the complexation reaction to proceed efficiently at lower temperatures by providing alternative energy pathways that compensate for the temperature reduction caused by seabed heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical heating approach with an optical-field-based laser induction system. Instead of mechanically heating the entire solution volume, laser induction provides targeted energy input that activates the chelating agents through photonic excitation, substituting thermal energy transfer with direct optical energy conversion at the molecular level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between satellite wells and stationary production unit increases, then more wells can be serviced, but the temperature reduction leads to precipitation of components and reduced reaction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Laser induction changes the energy parameters of the chelating solution, enabling it to maintain effective complexation reaction rates despite temperature reductions over longer transport distances. The photonic energy input compensates for thermal losses, allowing the solution to retain its scaling removal effectiveness even when pumped from distant satellite wells.
3Productivity
If laser induction is applied to promote complexation reactions, then the dissolution yield of barium and strontium sulfate scales increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes conventional thermal heating with laser-induced photonic excitation. This replacement is more energy-efficient because laser induction directly activates the chelating agents at the molecular level through selective absorption of photons, rather than heating the entire solution volume. The targeted energy delivery reduces overall energy consumption while achieving higher dissolution yields.
Solution Approach 2:
Laser induction acts as a strong energy source that accelerates the complexation reaction kinetics. The high-energy photons provide activation energy that speeds up the dissolution process, enabling faster and more complete scale removal. This accelerated reaction reduces the required treatment time and allows for lower overall energy input compared to prolonged thermal heating.
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 use of laser induction significantly enhances the yield of the complexation reaction, achieving higher dissolution rates of barium and strontium sulfates, thus improving the efficiency of scaling removal operations in deep water scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The application of laser induction technology to promote complexation reactions between DTPA chelator and barium and strontium sulfate scales
Implementation Method 2
The use of laser induction significantly enhances the yield of the complexation reaction, achieving higher dissolution rates
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Pig laser (10) that is equipped with a heating system to be used in the removal of scaling from subsea production systems (50) such as production lines, manifolds, ANMs and production columns. The induction promoted by the laser radiation is applied to the DTPA solution, heating and accelerating the reaction at the design limit temperature of the equipment to be descaling. At the same time, the laser is capable of maintaining the reaction temperature under control, considering the thermal demand of the reaction and the heat losses by the equipment that is located in ultra-deep waters, where the temperature is below 15° C. The target scaling is barium sulfate or strontium sulfate that are formed due to sulfated water coming from the reservoir that receives the injection of seawater without desulphation treatment. The present invention enables a method for descaling barium and strontium sulfate in the range of 60 to 100° C., with a pH preferably of 12.8, using DTPA composed in a 28.7% v/v solution and a mechanical agitation process.