DeScal Descaling, Decontamination, and Decommissioning Service

Tackle scale, decontaminate naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), and decommission with efficiency

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Descaling

Maintain a clear pathway to maximize production

Mineral scale deposition can plug the most permeable reservoir, forcing you into a relentless and costly struggle to maintain a clear pathway to maximize production. Regardless of scale type and location (from reservoir to surface), deposition must be dealt with quickly, effectively, and safely.

Portfolio of field-proven scale dissolvers

When scale—mineral or elemental—has accumulated downhole, topside, or on export terminals, the DeScal descaling, decontamination, and decommissioning service is the answer.

Together with advanced and site-specific analytical methodologies, we provide an extensive suite of new-generation, noncorrosive, environmentally compatible scale dissolvers. As a bonus, scale dissolvers used by the DeScal service remove the largest amounts of scale per liter, reducing overall treatment costs.

BaSOL scale dissolver for barium and strontium sulfate

The powerful yet nonhazardous and noncorrosive BaSOL 2000 HP scale dissolver and BaSOL 2020 environmentally friendly barium sulfate scale dissolver provide the optimal pH for sulfate scale dissolution. With dissolution capacities up to 80g/L, BaSOL scale dissolvers ensure rapid action compared with other industry products, while providing improved environmental profiles. In addition, BaSOL 2000 HP dissolver is reservoir compatible for near-wellbore treatments.

CAL-Acid scale dissolver for calcium carbonate

Uniquely formulated CAL-Acid scale dissolver provides a viable, fast-acting, and noncorrosive alternative to conventional mineral acid treatments for carbonate scales. It has the same calcium carbonate scale dissolution capacity (260 g/L) as 15% hydrochloric acid (HCl). In addition, it possesses an inherent sequestering capacity that prevents reprecipitation of undesired substances—such as iron (liberated through scale dissolution)—that could potentially damage the formation. CAL-Acid dissolver is reservoir compatible for near-wellbore treatments.

GYPSOL scale dissolver

Dissolver that provides the optimal pH (7–8) to dissolve calcium sulfate scale, while retaining the ability to dissolve coprecipitated barium and strontium sulfate scales.

PYRISOL iron sulfide scale dissolver

Unique alkaline dissolver that removes iron sulfide, iron oxide, and sulfur in a safe and controlled manner without liberating H₂S.

SD-40803 iron oxide scale dissolver

Targeting various types of iron oxide scale (e.g., rust, corrosion products)

Environmentally friendly dissolver packages

Bespoke corrosion-inhibited scale dissolvers for environmentally sensitive areas, including HPHT conditions

Decontamination

Comprehensive approach to NORM decontamination

During hydrocarbon production, coprecipitation or electrochemical deposition of radioactive elements, such as radium, polonium, and lead, can generate potentially hazardous NORM.

Scale deposition restricts production and increases the costs and risks associated with decommissioning and NORM decontamination. The all-inclusive DeScal descaling, decontamination, and decommissioning service provides you with a project-specific, single-source solution for even the most challenging scale issues.

Typically taking the form of barium or radium sulfate, elemental metallic lead, or other mineral scales, NORM deposits may pose HSE issues. Most of these deposits cannot be completely rectified with high-pressure water jetting or other conventional treatments.

DeScal service teams have extensive experience in conducting successful NORM decontamination operations, using technologies and processes that minimize both HSE and economic risks.

Mobile units to reduce transportation risks

In addition to chemical solutions, the DeScal service team employs mobile decontamination units comprising tanks, cradles, pumps, and interlinking bunds. The mobility of these units allows onsite, point-of-generation decontamination, eliminating the risks involved in transporting hazardous radioactive equipment or waste.

Strict regulatory compliance

Irrespective of location, at a minimum every NORM decontamination project we undertake is managed under the auspices of UK Ionizing Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) and in compliance with Radioactive Substances Act (RSA) 1993 standards.

Decommissioning

Optimal strategy for decommissioning

Because of the wide variety of hydrocarbon-producing installations worldwide, technical solutions for decommissioning differ and are often customized for each specific activity throughout the operation. DeScal service teams identify the optimal strategy for each application, ensuring efficient technical process design and QHSE compliance.

Challenges frequently associated with decommissioning projects are competently managed. They include

trapped oil
mothballing of flowlines
gas and bacteria buildup
emulsions
wax and asphaltene deposits
seabed cuttings
reinjection and riserless operations.

Complementary technologies to maximize effectiveness

Supplied as concentrated blends, scale dissolvers used in the DeScal service reduce chemical volumes to help manage overall treatment costs. The comprehensive package can be delivered on site and uses the latest mechanical technologies, including ultrahigh-pressure water jetting and proprietary plasma cutting, to complement the chemical components. We also provide post-treatment analysis, using a proprietary diagnostic software package.