CALCIUM SULFATE SCALE IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

Hadi Purnomo
Tjuwati Makmur

Scientific Contribution Oil and Gas
Vol. 27 No. 1 (2004): SCOG

Oilfield scale is defined as the precipitation of hard,adherent deposits of inorganic solid originating from aque-ous media. This constitutes sulfate and carbonate of thealkaline earth metals calcium, barium and strontium andcomplex salts of iron. Generally, the process of the scaledeposition occurs when the product solubility of acom-pound considered is exceeded. The formation of scale,such as calcium sulfate, has long recognised as one ofthe serious problems in oil and gas production leading toreduced production rates as flow becomes restricted.