Simultaneous Silica Treatment Qualification Using On-Site Side Stream Test Rig

Abstract

An on-site side stream test program has been developed to thoroughly assess the required mitigation for silica scaling of a proposed brine optimization project in Bacon Manito (BacMan), Sorsogon, Philippines. The test rig simulated the temperature drops, residence time, and flow regime of the brine-optimization-plant-to-reinjection system. A base-case test line and treatment lines with dosing provision were simultaneously operated for ~30 days, alongside a field laboratory for immediate silica analysis. Out of four different chemical treatments, the most effective silica inhibition method was evaluated based on silica retention performance, and volume of actual scale deposits formed. Brine pH modification proves to be the most efficient silica scaling mitigation method for the project area, resulting to manageable scaling rates.