Oil and Gas Descaler: Water is an inevitable by-product produced during oil and gas extraction processes

Oil and Gas Descaler: Water is an inevitable by-product produced during oil and gas extraction processes

This produced water often contains scale deposits that build up over time inside pipelines, tanks and processing equipment. Scale formation leads to higher operating costs, equipment damage and production downtime if left unaddressed. This is where oilfield descalers play a vital role in maintaining smooth operations. This article discusses the importance of descaling in oil and gas industry and the various types of descalers used.

What is Scale Formation?

Scale refers to mineral crystal deposits that accumulate on the inner surfaces over time during water transportation and treatment. The main types of scale found in oilfield operations include calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, strontium sulfate and iron sulfide. Calcium carbonate scale is the most common type and forms when calcium and carbonate ions merge together. If the water is untreated, these insoluble minerals precipitate out of the solution and adhere to pipe walls and other surfaces. Untreated, they continue accumulating into thick hard plates causing gradual restriction of flow leading to major issues.

Impact of Scale

Unchecked scale buildup can have serious repercussions on oilfield operations:

- Reduced Pipeline Capacity: Thick layers of scale lining pipelines severely reduce the inner diameter over time. This escalates frictional pressure drop restricting flow.

- Equipment Damage: Hard abrasive scales can damage pumps, valves and other machinery used for extraction, processing and transportation. This leads to more downtime and repair costs.

- Loss of Production: Excessive scale can even block pipelines entirely halting production until cleaned. Recurrent blockages are a major hindrance.

- Increased Corrosion: Underneath scale deposits, corrosion is found to progress more rapidly on metal surfaces without protection.

- Higher Energy Costs: Heavier scales require more powerful pumps and turbines to maintain flow rates, escalating operating expenses.

Given these severe downsides, it is important to control scale Oil and Gas Descaler  proactively right from the initial production stage. Effective oilfield descaling prevents lots of unnecessary costs over the lifetime of oilfields.

Types of Oilfield Descalers

There are various specialized descaling chemicals tailored for the oil and gas industry:

Citric Acid Based: Citric acid is a popular and economical descaler that works by chelating and dissolving calcium carbonate and other mineral scales at low temperatures. It is commonly used for pigging and batch cleaning of pipelines and vessels.

Phosphonate Based: Phosphonate based scale inhibitors are excellent for inhibiting calcium carbonate and barium sulfate deposition during production and transportation. They have low toxicity and remain effective even under high mineral scales conditions.

Hydrochloric Acid Based: Strong acids like hydrochloric acid are used for cleaning filters, separators, pumps and tanks requiring scale dissolving at higher temperatures. However, proper safety precautions must be followed when handling acids.

Polyacrylate Polymers: These are non-toxic and non-corrosive polymers that keep calcium carbonate and other scales in solution or dispersion form to facilitate their transportation and removal.

Enzyme Based: Certain microbial enzymes help break down organic deposits and biofilm in addition to scales. They are effective for equipment with complex internal structures.

Selection of the right descaling chemical depends on the composition of scale, temperature, equipment configuration, safety and environmental compatibility. A tailored solution ensures optimal job performance.

Descaling Methods

Scale removal in oilfields can be carried out using different approaches:

Circulating Clean: The descaler chemical is continuously circulated in the affected system for an extended period to dissolve and remove scale layers. Suitable for pipelines.

Batch Cleaning: Equipment like tanks and separators are isolated, filled with descaler solution and left overnight or more for complete cleaning before draining and flushing.

Pigging: Snaking mechanical pigs coated with non-stick materials through pipelines physically knocks off loose scales apart from chemical action. Effective even on difficult long distance pipelines.

Manual Cleaning: For localized manual cleaning of stubborn scales on instruments, valves or other parts, wire brushing or scraping is followed by chemical soaking and rinsing.

Chelant Injection: Injection of chelating chemicals directly into producing wells aids in unclogging downhole equipment and restoring production.

Today’s advanced and customized solutions integrate both chemical and mechanical descaling methods for thorough cleaning and long-term control of scales in oilfields.

Effective Descaling Program

A planned descaling maintenance program minimizes scale buildup and associated problems:

- Conduct periodic inspections using pigs, brushes or cameras to detect early signs of scaling

- Collect water samples for lab analysis to understand scale composition and select appropriate chemicals

- Determine critical equipment and pipelines requiring priority cleaning and protection

- Establish standard operating procedures for chemical mixing, application and safety

- Optimize injection points and retain inhibitor concentrations effectively throughout the network

- Conduct routine cleaning and pigging of pipelines and production manifolds

- Monitor results and modify treatment program based on post-cleaning inspection findings

Proper execution of such programs helps maintain steady production and extends asset lifespan with lower operational downtime and costs over the long run.


Scale is a ubiquitous problem encountered during oil and gas production that needs to be managed proactively. Various specialized descaling chemicals and methods are available tailored for the unique conditions found in oilfields. With planned maintenance using the right solutions, scale can be dissolved and formation inhibited to achieve smooth and cost-effective operations. Descaling thus remains a vital aspect of the overall production process in the oil and gas industry.

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