Silicate Deposit Control in Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) and Produced Water Applications

摘要

Silicate-based deposits are prevalent in produced water (SAGD, steam flood) plant unit operations. Type and structure of silica deposits may range from amorphous silica to silica salts. Silicate deposits may be complex mixtures containing hardness, iron and alkali metal ions. Presence of silica/silicate deposits can significantly reduce system efficiency, increase operating/maintenance costs, reduce productivity and can lead to overheating/failure of equipment. This paper describes types of deposits encountered, development process for new silicate inhibitor treatment and system cleaning chemistries.