Random Terpolymers for Mineral Scale Inhibition in High Salinity Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing and controlling mineral scale formation in oilfields and industrial systems are inefficient, particularly at high temperatures and salinity levels, and often result in equipment damage and costly maintenance due to the limitations of existing scale inhibitors and dispersants.
Innovation Solution
Development of random terpolymers derived from itaconic acid, aconitic acid, and sodium alkenyl sulfonates through free radical polymerization at acid pH, which inhibit and disperse mineral scales such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and barium sulfate, and are tolerant to high concentrations of divalent ions, using a redox system as initiator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional scale inhibitors and dispersants are used in high temperature and salinity conditions, then scale formation is suppressed to some extent, but system reliability deteriorates due to equipment damage and costly maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of scale inhibitors by incorporating itaconic acid, aconitic acid, and alkenyl sulfonate monomers into a terpolymer framework. This changes the chemical parameters of the inhibitor to provide enhanced stability and effectiveness under high temperature and salinity conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between system reliability and scale formation suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite polymer structure combining three different monomer types (itaonic acid, aconitic acid, and alkenyl sulfonate) to form a terpolymer with synergistic properties. This composite material approach provides both scale inhibition and dispersant functionality, improving system reliability while effectively preventing mineral scale formation under severe operating conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing scale inhibitors are used under severe conditions (high temperature, high salinity), then some scale inhibition is achieved, but manufacturing precision and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically changes the chemical parameters of the inhibitor by selecting specific monomers (itaonic acid with carboxylic acid groups, aconitic acid with cis-dicarboxylic structure, and alkenyl sulfonate with sulfonate groups) that provide thermal stability and effective scale inhibition at high temperatures and salinity levels, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and temperature tolerance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional dispersants are used to prevent mineral scale formation, then scale inhibition is achieved, but cost increases due to equipment damage and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The terpolymer invention performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a scale inhibitor, a dispersant for mineral particles, and a protective agent for equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate chemicals, reducing costs while improving equipment protection and reliability under severe operating conditions.
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 terpolymers effectively prevent and control mineral scale formation and damage, maintaining system performance under severe conditions while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
process for obtaining random terpolymers based on itaconic acid or its isomers, aconitic acid or their isomers and sodium alkenyl sulphonates, through a polymerization process in aqueous solution via free radicals and a redox system as initiator
Implementation Method 2
polymerization process in aqueous solution via free radicals and a redox system as initiator
Implementation Method 3
The terpolymers are used to inhibit and disperse presented mineral scales in cooling systems and boilers employed in the oil and chemical industry and are characterized by being tolerant to high concentrations of divalent ions, such as calcium, magnesium, strontium and barium
Implementation Method 4
Random terpolymers are used to inhibit and disperse mineral scales present in cooling systems and industrial boilers
Data Source
AI summary
Random terpolymers are characterized for being tolerant to high concentrations of divalent ions, such as calcium, magnesium, strontium and barium, and that for their application in the reservoir or production rig, treated water, sea water and/or connate water can be used as means of transportation. Furthermore, the terpolymer also can be used to inhibit and disperse mineral scales presents in cooling system and boiler employed in the chemical and oil industry.Also, random terpolymers of the present invention have the characteristic of complying with environmental standards established internationally and are classified as particularly non-toxic, so it can be used in pipes and equipment of the petrochemical industry and with the use characteristic freshwater and seawater from offshore and onshore facilities.