Which water treatment agents are added to Oil & Gas

In the oil and gas industry, various water treatment agents are used to treat produced water, which is the water that comes to the surface during oil and gas extraction. These agents are added to the produced water to remove impurities and contaminants before the water is discharged or reused. Some commonly used water treatment agents in the oil and gas industry include:

1.Coagulants: Coagulants are chemicals that help to destabilize and aggregate smaller suspended particles in the water, making them easier to remove. Common coagulants used in oil and gas water treatment include aluminum sulfate (alum) and ferric chloride.

2.Flocculants: Flocculants are chemicals that promote the formation of larger and denser flocs (clusters of particles) from the coagulated particles. This aids in their settling or flotation for separation. Polyacrylamides (PAM) and polyamines are commonly used flocculants in the oil and gas industry.

3.Scale Inhibitors: Scale inhibitors are chemicals designed to prevent the formation of mineral scales, such as calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate, which can deposit and accumulate on equipment surfaces. Scale inhibitors work by altering the crystal structure of the scale-forming minerals or by preventing their adherence to surfaces. Phosphonates and polymers are commonly used as scale inhibitors.

4.Corrosion Inhibitors: Corrosion inhibitors are chemicals that are added to the water to protect metal surfaces from corrosion caused by dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other corrosive species. They form a protective film on the metal surfaces, thereby reducing the rate of corrosion. Different types of corrosion inhibitors, including filming amines, neutralizing amines, and organic inhibitors, are used based on the specific corrosion concerns.

5.Biocides: Biocides are used to control the growth and proliferation of microorganisms, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, in the water. These microorganisms can cause biofouling, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), and other operational issues. Oxidizing biocides (e.g., chlorine, bromine) and non-oxidizing biocides (e.g., glutaraldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds) are commonly employed.

6.pH Adjusting Agents: pH adjusting agents like acids or bases may be added to adjust the pH of the water to an optimal range for specific treatment processes. pH adjustment can help in controlling chemical reactions, optimizing the performance of other additives, and reducing scaling or corrosive tendencies.

It is important to note that the selection and application of water treatment agents depend on various factors, including water quality, site-specific conditions, local regulations, and the requirements of the oil and gas production process. Professional water treatment specialists and engineers typically determine the appropriate water treatment agents and their dosages based on comprehensive analysis and testing.