Scale Deposition

 

Pipes and vessels may suffer from either or both inorganic and organic scale deposition. Typical scales are calcite, barite, gypsum, celestite, paraffin and wax.

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The main causes of scale deposition are

 

(1) heating processes where evaporative concentration is taking place;

 

(2) where pressure reduction occurs resulting in changes in the dissolved compounds content of the fluid and the release of dissolved gasses (for example, CO2 in crude petroleum production);

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(3) mixing of incompatible water, such as the mixture of formation water and injected water.

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Inhibition of Scale Deposition

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Scale deposition can be inhibited by the application of magnetic fluid conditioners. This technology is not industry specific but depends on the type of

scale being treated. This process is not dependent on the shape or size of the pipe or vessel.

 

As with the application of all other technologies, there is only a certain window of opportunity in which this technology will function. It is therefore important that the MFCs are correctly designed for each particular application to ensure that the governing parameters are within the operating range of values for magnetic fluid treatment technology to function.

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Scale-X MFC Design and Construction

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We require full details of the fluid system and the scope of the scale problem in order to design the most suitable MFC solution. The MFCs may incorporate velocity amplifiers and the fluid is directed through scientifically structured powerfull magnetic fields and the fluid flow is carefully profiled to maximise the interaction between the velocity vector and the magnetic gradient. This alters the growth pattern of the scale crystals and their tendency to deposit as scale. The MFCs are constructed of 316 series stainless steel.

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Application of Pipe Insert Type MFCs
 

The “Inline” & “Well Head type” Scale-X MFCs are located in a pipe spool designed to meet the operating conditions of the production system. The “Vessel Type” MFCs are designed to be located on top of the vessel stand pipes. Each MFC is application specific, that is, it is designed to meet the conditions of the fluid system being treated and to integrate into the plant equipment.

 

The length of treatment of MFCs can be affected by turbulence, distance travelled, pressure drop and heat transfer. Therefore, it may be necessary to install more than one MFC per fluid system and to strategically locate MFCs at a number of other points in the fluid system depending on the length of the fluid path and the locations and severity of each scale deposition.