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Analyzing Scaling, Corrosion, and Sludge in the Oil & Gas Supply Chain with Portable XRD

XRD for Scaling, Corrosion, and Sludge Analysis

Olympus portable X-ray diffraction (XRD) instruments provide chemists and engineers with quantitative phase analysis of scaling, corrosion, and sludge deposits onsite. Rapid characterization of scaling and corrosion products enables maintenance teams to implement the most appropriate management strategy in hours—not days. This minimizes shutdowns and can help prevent undue damage to equipment.

Scaling in Oil and Gas Assets

Scaling and corrosion affect equipment throughout the oil and gas subply chain, from exploration and extraction to pipelines and refineries. Knowing the composition of the scaling and corrosion products enables maintenance teams to apply the most appropriate anti-scaling treatment or corrosion additive immediately. For example, hydrochloric acid is often used to remove calcium carbonate scaling, while calcium sulfate scaling may be removed using chelanting agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

In the past, maintenance teams would have to send samples off site for laboratory analysis, typically taking days or weeks, or would have to experiment with expensive chemical treatments (which may risk harming the equipment). However, the number of scaling and corrosion products commonly encountered within oil and gas assets is typically limited, making XRD a fast, efficient inspection option.

Compound	Phase Name	Formation Variables
CaCO₃	Calcite	Partial pressure of CO₂, temperature, total dissolved salts, pH
	Aragonite
	Vaterite
CaSO₄.2H₂O	Gypsum	Temperature, total dissolved salts, pressure, mixing incompatible fluids
CaSO₄.1/H₂O	Hemihydrate
CaSO₄	Anhydrite
BaSO₄	Barite	Temperature, pressure, mixing incompatible fluids
NaCl	Halite	Evaporation, temperature
FeCO₃	Siderite	Corrosion dissolved gases, pH, bacteria
FeS	Mackinawite
FeS₂	Pyrite
Fe(OH)₂	Ferrous Hydroxide

Some common scaling and corrosion products that can be identified using portable XRD.

Sludge Deposits

Sludge deposits are often encountered in refineries and are a combination of the following:

Hydrocarbon (e.g. lubricant and grease)
Liquid (e.g. water and oil)
Nonhydrocarbon or inorganic substances (e.g. scaling and corrosion)

Using XRD to understand the inorganic component of the sludge can assist the removal process and contribute to preventing reoccurrence. Dichloromethane can be used to separate the inorganic components (scaling and corrosion) from the sludge, enabling a more detailed characterization of scaling and corrosion products (by removing amorphous phases).

Benefits of Olympus Portable XRD Instruments

Olympus portable XRD instruments only require as little as 15 mg of corrosion/scaling products. Results are obtained in minutes and provide maintenance teams, engineers, and production chemists with the knowledge needed to select the most appropriate anti-scaling treatment or corrosion management strategy.

Benefits of TERRA^® Analyzers

Small Sample: Requires only 15 mg of sample
Easy Sample Preparation: Does not require a skilled technician
Fast Acquisition Time: Obtain results in only a few minutes
Stand-Alone Instrument: No need for water cooling or a large, external power source
No Ongoing Servicing Requirements: XRD can be performed regularly with minimal downtime
Portability: Battery-operated, rugged design with no moving parts

Current Practice

Send Samples for Laboratory Analysis:

2 to 3 week turnaround

Try Different Chemical Treatment Methods:

Using an incorrect chemical treatment may damage equipment
Associated costs in applying the incorrect chemical treatment
Solution in days, rather than hours

Portable XRD Solution

Send Samples for Laboratory Analysis:

Correctly identify the scaling/corrosion products, rapidly, on site
Select the correct treatment strategy, the first time, significantly reducing downtime

Products Used for This Application

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