A Next Generation Peracid for Onshore and Offshore Water Treatment Applications

Abstract

Abstract Oxidizers are powerful biocides that are gaining acceptance for use in water treatment systems. Some of the most commonly used oxidizers are chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, and peracetic acid. Although all three technologies have benefits around efficacy, each has at least one challenge – namely safety surrounding the generation and safe application of chlorine dioxide, halogenated organics produced by hypochlorite, and the residual peroxide associated with peracetic acid. Therefore, there is an opportunity to develop a novel oxidizer (performic acid) that is safe, does not create halogenated organics and does not introduce oxygen into the system. Performic acid provides unique advantages for use in many energy related applications, particularly in water treatment. Treatment using performic acid, at 0.5ppm, provides a microbial reduction equivalent to 3 logs of bacteria/mL in a planktonic kill study. Sessile testing was also able to demonstrate significant kill and removal of biofilm after performic acid treatment. In addition, performic acid proves very effective in the control of hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide and common oilfield scales. From a sustainability perspective, performic acid degrades to carbon dioxide and water, natural to the environment Performic acid is generated on-site through a simple two pump system. The equilibrium reaction resulting in the formation of performic acid can be reached quickly (30 seconds to a few minutes). This provides a great opportunity for customization of the chemistry including other additives that can boost the secondary properties of the final formula. We have designed a generator that is capable of delivering performic acid, on demand, to both onshore and offshore water treatment applications. The superior biocidal properties, safety, sustainability, corrosion control, zero oxygen, and an ability to customize formulations using an onsite generator make performic acid a cost effective and convenient alternative to both conventional and oxidizing biocides currently in use for water management.