barium sulfate scaling in gas facility - flow test of the well
barium sulfate scaling in gas facility - flow test of the well
(OP)
Dear All,
One of our customers is testing the gas well at this moment. During the test they faced enormous scaling production in flowlines and separator.
I have the production water analysis in my hand. The sample was taken from the separator.
Among others the water from the separator has sulfate SO4(2-), barium (2+) and Strontium (2+) anionic and cationic species. On the other hand the TSS is low (~1500 mg/L). Considering the rapid reaction of sulfates and barium, all barium sulfate should have precipitated and no barium should be found in the remaining produced water.
I suspect, that analysis are not true, since most of the barium had precipitated upstream of the separator.
Any advices how to measure the real formation water composition?
If there are sulfate and barium species in the produced water in the separator, does it mean that at this particular conditions both species are in the equilibrium?
How is it possible that once the formation water is taken aboveground, the reaction between sulfates starts while underground every species remains at the equilibrium?
I realise that answers are not straighforward, but I will appreciate the discussion.
regards,
rob
One of our customers is testing the gas well at this moment. During the test they faced enormous scaling production in flowlines and separator.
I have the production water analysis in my hand. The sample was taken from the separator.
Among others the water from the separator has sulfate SO4(2-), barium (2+) and Strontium (2+) anionic and cationic species. On the other hand the TSS is low (~1500 mg/L). Considering the rapid reaction of sulfates and barium, all barium sulfate should have precipitated and no barium should be found in the remaining produced water.
I suspect, that analysis are not true, since most of the barium had precipitated upstream of the separator.
Any advices how to measure the real formation water composition?
If there are sulfate and barium species in the produced water in the separator, does it mean that at this particular conditions both species are in the equilibrium?
How is it possible that once the formation water is taken aboveground, the reaction between sulfates starts while underground every species remains at the equilibrium?
I realise that answers are not straighforward, but I will appreciate the discussion.
regards,
rob





RE: barium sulfate scaling in gas facility - flow test of the well
RE: barium sulfate scaling in gas facility - flow test of the well
All of the reactions you discussed are time, temperature, and pressure dependent. I've been bitten several times by ignoring that fact.
David
RE: barium sulfate scaling in gas facility - flow test of the well
RE: barium sulfate scaling in gas facility - flow test of the well
TDS was ca 273000 mg/L
Rob
RE: barium sulfate scaling in gas facility - flow test of the well
Keep in mind that barium sulfate is hard and almost insoluble in any acids. For this reason it is usually inhibited (chemical injection) before it happens. When not inhibited, piping and surface equipment may require mechanical cleaning and even be rendered unusable.
For sampling I suggest going as close to the well as possible and preserve the sample using a weak acid (HCL 10% solution). You could consult with a local lab. For treatment just consult with a chemical vendor. Usually the treatment is cheap and requires low injection rates.