Organosilane has been explored previously as a kaolinite fixing agent, and surface modifier to enhance adsorption of scale inhibitors. Here, self-assembled organosilane films are investigated for their potential to prevent scale deposition directly, that is without the presence of scale inhibitors. Film formation on quartz crystals is analysed using a quartz crystal microbalance, which suggests that different film structures can be created using the same organosilane molecule. Brine tests using singlecrystal quartz coupons coated with organosilane indicate that calcium carbonate scale deposition can be reduced by 66%.

Keywords:
paraffin remediation, hydrate remediation, hydrate inhibition, asphaltene inhibition, water management, oilfield chemistry, scale inhibition, organosilane, self-assembled monolayer, wax remediation
Subjects:
Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Inhibition and remediation of hydrates, scale, paraffin / wax and asphaltene
Copyright 2012, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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