Metal Sulfide Scale Dissolver Fluid for Oilfield Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing iron sulfide scale from oil and gas production systems are inefficient, with existing treatments often achieving only partial removal and risking metal corrosion and toxic byproduct production.
Innovation Solution
A treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a metal sulfide dissolver, which includes a chelating agent, a boosting agent, a scaling agent, and a dispersing agent, is introduced into the wellbore to effectively dissolve and remove metal sulfide scale from production equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical treatment with mineral acids is used to remove iron sulfide scale, then scale removal efficiency is improved, but metal corrosion and toxic byproduct production increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment fluid by using organic acids (acetic, formic, maleic) with specific pH ranges (2-4) instead of mineral acids, and combines them with chelating agents to alter the chemical environment for safer and equally effective scale removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chelating agents as intermediary substances that facilitate scale removal by complexing with metal ions, enabling the organic acid system to achieve mineral acid-level effectiveness without the harmful corrosion and toxic byproduct issues
2Object-affected harmful factors
If organic acids with chelating agents are used to treat iron sulfide scale, then metal corrosion and toxic byproduct risks are reduced, but treatment effectiveness decreases and contact time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges organic acids with chelating agents in a single treatment fluid composition, combining the safety benefits of organic acids with the enhanced scale-dissolving capability of chelating agents to achieve both safety and effectiveness simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite chemical system combining organic acid components with chelating agent components, forming a synergistic treatment fluid that overcomes the limitations of either component alone and achieves high effectiveness with reduced contact time
3Quantity of substance
If current chemical treatments are used for iron sulfide scale, then partial scale removal is achieved (up to 60%), but complete scale removal is not attained and scale may reform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous and complete scale dissolution through the synergistic action of organic acids and chelating agents, preventing scale reformation by maintaining a chemical environment that continuously binds metal ions and prevents precipitation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment system by using specific organic acid-chelating agent combinations with optimized concentrations and pH ranges, creating conditions that enable complete scale removal rather than partial removal
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 treatment fluid achieves high efficiency in removing metal sulfide scale, with a 97% dissolution rate, compared to previous methods which typically achieved only up to 60% removal, while minimizing corrosion and toxic byproduct risks.
Implementation Method 1
a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a metal sulfide dissolver
Implementation Method 2
a dispersing agent
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include providing a treatment fluid comprising a metal sulfide dissolver and a base fluid. The metal sulfide dissolver includes a chelating agent, a boosting agent, a scaling agent, and a dispersing agent. The treatment fluid is then injected to contact a metal sulfide scale, which dissolves at least partially. The treatment fluid may be injected into a wellbore as a standalone treatment or as an additive.