On-Site Production and Usage of Sulfurous Acid for Scale Inhibition

Abstract

UNOCAL Corporation currently utilizes brine acidif cation to control scale deposition. Acids utilized in commercial operations include, sulfiuric and hydrochloric. A new, patented process has been developed to reduce operational costs and improve inhibition by producing Sulfurous acid on-site upon burning h,vdrogen sugde or elemental sulfur. Treatment of brines with sulfurous acid is particularly effective in controlling siliceous scaling b-v (1) retarding the kinetics of silica polymerization, and (2) forming soluble suvto-silicate complexes. The advantages of on-site production of sulfurous acid include abatement of hydrogen suljde, use of sulfur-bearing wastes, reduced corrosion potential, scavenging of oxygen, reduced by-product scale formation potential, and inhibition of silicate, sucjide and carbonate scales. Brine or condensate niav be treated with sulfurous acid to control scale deposition, mitigate corrosion and improve gas partitioning in condensers.