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Acidic Polysaccharides as Green Alternatives for Barite Scale Dissolution.

Ricardo D Sosa1, Xi Geng1, Ankur Agarwal1

  • 1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204-4004, United States.

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|November 25, 2020
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Summary

Alginate, a biopolymer, effectively dissolves barium sulfate (barite) scale under mild conditions. This green alternative shows enhanced dissolution under flow and synergistic effects when combined with DTPA.

Keywords:
acidic polymeratomic force microscopybarium sulfatecrystallizationmicrofluidicsmineral scale

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Barium sulfate (barite) scale presents significant industrial challenges, particularly in water treatment and fossil fuel production.
  • Conventional methods for inorganic scale removal often require harsh, caustic conditions, posing environmental concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and evaluate alginate, a biopolymer, as a green and effective agent for barium sulfate scale demineralization.
  • To compare the efficacy of alginate with a commercial scale dissolver, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA).

Main Methods:

  • Bulk dissolution assays and microfluidic devices were used to measure dissolution rates.
  • Scanning probe microscopy, including in situ atomic force microscopy, was employed to observe surface dissolution mechanisms.
  • Molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to understand the interactions at a molecular level.

Main Results:

  • Alginate effectively dissolves barite scale under near-neutral conditions, unlike conventional agents requiring alkaline environments.
  • Dissolution rates were significantly enhanced (over tenfold) under flowing conditions.
  • Alginate and DTPA demonstrated distinct demineralization mechanisms, with a synergistic effect observed in their binary combination.

Conclusions:

  • Alginate is a potent, environmentally friendly alternative for barium sulfate scale demineralization.
  • The biopolymer offers effective scale removal under mild conditions, with enhanced performance under flow and synergistic potential with existing agents.
  • This research presents a novel, sustainable approach to managing inorganic scale formation.