Methodology to Evaluate Calcite Scale Inhibitors Under Turbulent Flow for Subsea Oilfield Production Applications

Abstract

Calcite scale formation is a common issue in oilfield production from carbonate reservoirs. It causes losses in production and additional costs for prevention or even remediation of the deposits in the pipe walls and valves. Although the thermodynamics of the equilibrium and the use of scale inhibitors are well known, there are still questions about the kinetics of the deposition, and how it performs under different flow conditions. Following a literature review, there are a limited number of investigations regarding the assessment of calcite scale formation under high shear and turbulent flow regimes and there is good evidence for the increased risk of scale formation under turbulent flow. Actual test methods do not achieve the high shear stresses experienced in real field situations (high Reynolds number and shear stress). Based on that, testing scale inhibitor performance under turbulent conditions during qualification for field application can be game-changing to provide a more accurate dosage.