Showing papers on "Brine published in 2008"

Rate of CO2 attack on hydrated Class H well cement under geologic sequestration conditions.

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to study the degradation of hardened cement paste due to exposure to CO2 and brine under geologic sequestration conditions (T = 50 °C and 30.3 MPa). The goal was to determine the rate of reaction of hydrated cement exposed to supercritical CO2 and to CO2-saturated brine to assess the potential impact of degradation in existing wells on CO2 storage integrity. Two different forms of chemical alteration were observed. The supercritical CO2 alteration of cement was similar in process to cement in contact with atmospheric CO2 (ordinary carbonation), while alteration of cement exposed to CO2-saturated brine was typical of acid attack on cement. Extrapolation of the hydrated cement alteration rate measured for 1 year indicates a penetration depth range of 1.00 ± 0.07 mm for the CO2-saturated brine and 1.68 ± 0.24 mm for the supercritical CO2 after 30 years. These penetration depths are consistent with observations of field samples from an enhanced oil recovery site after 30 years of ex...

Wettability Determination of the Reservoir Brine−Reservoir Rock System with Dissolution of CO2 at High Pressures and Elevated Temperatures

Abstract: An experimental method has been developed to determine the wettability, i.e., the contact angle, of a reservoir brine−reservoir rock system with dissolution of CO2 at high pressures and elevated temperatures by using the axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA) technique for the sessile drop case. Prior to the experiment, a rock slide is horizontally placed in a specially designed rock slide holder in a see-through windowed high-pressure cell, which is subsequently filled with CO2 at a prespecified pressure and a constant temperature. Then, a reservoir brine sample is introduced by using a syringe delivery system to form a sessile brine drop on the rock slide inside the pressure cell. The sequential digital images of the dynamic sessile brine drop are acquired and analyzed by applying computer-aided image acquisition and processing techniques to measure the dynamic contact angles at different times. It is found that the dynamic contact angle between the reservoir brine and the reservoir rock remains almost...

Experimental Investigation into the Production Behavior of Methane Hydrate in Porous Sediment with Hot Brine Stimulation

Abstract: The gas production behavior from methane hydrate in porous sediment by injecting the brine with the salinity of 0−24 wt % and the temperature of −1 to 130 °C was investigated in a one-dimensional experimental apparatus. The results show that the gas production process consists of three periods: the free gas production, the hydrate dissociation, and the general gas reservoir production. The hydrate dissociation accompanies the temperature decrease with the injection of the brine (NaCl solution), and the dissociation duration is shortened with the increase of the salinity. With the injection of hot brine, instantaneous hydrate dissociation rate also increases with the increase of the salinity. However, while the NaCl concentration is beyond a certain value, the rate has no longer continued increasing. Thermal efficiency and energy ratio for the hydrate production can be enhanced by injecting hot brine, and the enhanced effectiveness is quite good with the injection of high salinity at lower temperature.

Mineralogical changes of a well cement in various H2S-CO2(-brine) fluids at high pressure and temperature.

Abstract: The reactivity of a crushed well cement in contact with (1) a brine with dissolved H2S-CO2; (2) a dry H2S-CO2 supercritical phase; (3) a two-phase fluid associating a brine with dissolved H2S-CO2 and a H2S-CO2 supercritical phase was investigated in batch experiments at 500 bar and 120, 200 degrees C. All of the experiments showed that following 15-60 days cement carbonation occurred. The H2S reactivity with cement is limited since it only transformed the ferrites (minor phases) by sulfidation. It appeared that the primary parameter controlling the degree of carbonation (i.e., the rate of calcium carbonates precipitation and CSH (Calcium Silicate Hydrates) decalcification) is the physical state of the fluid phase contacting the minerals. The carbonation degree is complete when the minerals contact at least the dry H2S-CO2 supercritical phase and partial when they contactthe brine with dissolved H2S-CO2. Aragonite (calcium carbonate polymorph) precipitated specifically within the dry H2S-CO2 supercritical phase. CSH cristallinity is improved by partial carbonation while CSH are amorphized by complete carbonation. However, the features evidenced in this study cannot be directly related to effective features of cement as a monolith. Further studies involving cement as a monolith are necessary to ascertain textural, petrophysical, and mechanical evolution of cement.

Sequestration of CO2 in Mixtures of Bauxite Residue and Saline Wastewater

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to explore the concept of beneficially utilizing mixtures of caustic bauxite residue slurry (pH 13) and produced oil-field brine to sequester carbon dioxide from flue gas generated from industrial point sources. Data presented herein provide a preliminary assessment of the overall feasibility of this treatment concept. The Carbonation capacity of bauxite residue/brine mixtures was considered over the full range of reactant mixture combinations in 10% increments by volume. A bauxite residue/brine mixture of 90/10 by volume exhibited a CO2 sequestration capacity of greater than 9.5 g/L when exposed to pure CO2 at 20 °C and 0.689 MPa (100 psig). Dawsonite and calcite formation were predicted to be the dominant products of bauxite/brine mixture carbonation. It is demonstrated that CO2 sequestration is augmented by adding bauxite residue as a caustic agent to acidic brine solutions and that trapping is accomplished through both mineralization and solubilization. The product mixture s...

Inhibition of solute crystallisation in aqueous H+–NH4+–SO42−–H2O droplets

Abstract: Ice clouds in the Earth’s upper troposphere can form via homogeneous nucleation of ice in aqueous droplets. In this study we investigate the crystallisation, or lack of crystallisation, of the solute phase and ice in aqueous (NH4)3H(SO4)2/H2O and NH4HSO4/H2O droplets. This is done using in situ X-ray diffraction of emulsified solution droplets mounted on a cold stage. From the diffraction patterns we are able to identify the phases of crystalline solute and ice that form after homogeneous freezing in micrometer sized droplets. An important finding from this study is that crystallisation of the solute does not always occur, even when crystallisation is strongly thermodynamically favoured. The nucleation and growth of solute phase crystals becomes inhibited since the viscosity of the aqueous brine most likely increases dramatically as the brine concentration increases and temperature decreases. If ice nucleates below a threshold freezing temperature, the brine appears to rapidly become so viscous that solute crystallisation is inhibited. This threshold temperature is 192 K and 180 K, in (NH4)3H(SO4)2 and NH4HSO4, respectively. We also speculate that the formation of cubic ice within a highly viscous brine blocks the solvent mediated cubic to hexagonal phase transformation, thus stabilising the metastable cubic ice in the most concentrated solution droplets.

Low-frequency electrical properties of polycrystalline saline ice and salt hydrates.

Abstract: We measured the 1 mHz−1 MHz electrical properties of ice−hydrate binary systems formed from solutions of NaCl, CaCl2, and MgSO4, with supplementary measurements of HCl. Below the eutectic temperature, electrical parameters are well described by mixing models in which hydrate is always the connected phase. Above the eutectic temperature, a salt concentration threshold of ∼3 mM in the initial solution is required for the unfrozen brine fraction to form interconnected, electrically conductive networks. The dielectric relaxation frequency for saline ice increases with increasing impurity content until Cl− reaches saturation. Because there is insufficient H3O+ for charge balance, salt cations must be accommodated interstitially in the ice. Dielectric relaxations near the ice signature were identified for CaCl2·6H2O and MgSO4·11H2O but not for NaCl·2H2O. Ionic and L-defect concentrations in salt hydrates up to ∼10−4 and 10−3 per H2O molecule, respectively, follow from the electrical properties, Jaccard theory, ...

Method of inhibiting scale formation and deposition in desalination systems

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of inhibiting corrosion and calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate scaling in thermal and membrane desalination processes. The method includes adding a composition having an oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid to seawater or recirculation brine in a desalting process to produce water for drinking and industrial applications. The method also includes adding a composition including mono, bis, and oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid adducts to the desalting process.

Low energy system and method of desalinating seawater

Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.

Method of increasing lubricity of brine-based drilling fluids and completion brines

Abstract: The lubricity of a drilling fluid or a completion fluid may be increased by incorporating into the fluid a water-soluble or water-dispersible salt of a sulfonated (sulfated) vegetable oil or a derivative thereof, such as a sulfonated (sulfated) castor oil. Suitable derivatives include the sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium or ammonium salt. A non-ionic or anionic surfactant which is capable of enhancing the solubility of the salt may further be incorporated into the drilling fluid or completion fluid.

Effect of Brine on Hydrate Antiagglomeration

Abstract: Natural gas production poses a risk of flow-line hydrate blockage from coproduced water and hydrate-forming species. Our previous studies have focused on gaining further understanding of hydrate antiagglomerants through systematic experimentation as well as testing of a new biosurfactant. Despite great potential, work on hydrate antiagglomeration is still very limited. This work centers on the effect of NaCl and MgCl2 in mixtures of two vastly different antiagglomerants. We use a model oil, water, and tetrahydrofuran as hydrate-forming species. Results show that both salts—added in sufficient quantities—may result in the agglomeration of hydrates. Our results reveal a nonmonotonic agglomeration behavior at low salt and/or large surfactant concentrations. Specifically, dissolved MgCl2 results in agglomeration more than the dissolved NaCl. Our measurements also show that the quaternary ammonium salt—i.e., quat—is more sensitive to dissolved salt than the nonionic rhamnolipid biosurfactant. In this work we s...

Technological process for purifying bittern

Abstract: The invention provides a brine purification technical method which comprises that: a first step is that limewater is added into brine so that reaction happens to calcium hydroxide in the limewater and magnesian ion in the brine to generate magnesium hydrate sedimentation so as to remove the magnesian ion in the brine, excessive calcium hydroxide is used for causticizing the sodium sulfate in the brine into sodium hydroxide; a second step is that flue gas is put into the brine after the magnesian ion is removed for carrying out reaction between carbon dioxide in the flue gas and the sodium hydroxide causticized in the brine to generate sodium carbonate which reacts with calcium ion in the brine to generate calcium carbonate sedimentation so as to remove the calcium ion in the brine; a third step is that slurry produced in the first step and the second step is collected; and a fourth step is that refined brine after being treated by the first step and the second step is recycled. The technical method can reduce the pollution to environment, save energy, and reduce the consumption of raw brine and the purification cost of the brine at the same time, thereby conforming to the requirements of the strategy of sustainable development.

Process for removing silica in heavy oil recovery

Abstract: A process for recovery oil includes recovering an oil/water mixture from an oil well. Thereafter, the method includes separating oil from the oil/water mixture to produce an oil product and produced water having dissolved silica therein. The produced water is directed to an evaporator and produces steam and a concentrated brine. The method or process entails mixing a precipitant or crystallizing reagent with the produced water or the concentrated brine and causing the silica to precipitate from the produced water or the concentrated brine. Steam produced by the evaporator is condensed to form a distillate which is directed to steam generator. At the steam generator the distillate is heated to produce steam which is injected into an injection well, giving rise to the formation of the oil/water mixture.

Two-stage Sequential Electrochemical Treatment of Nitrate Brine Wastes

Abstract: Nitrates in concentrated brines can be electrochemically reduced in the cathodic chamber of a split-cell electrochemical reactor with formation of ammonium (and small amounts of nitrite). Fortunately, ammonium may be electrochemically oxidized to nitrogen gas in the anodic reaction chamber if a coupled sequential process is used. The presence of chloride in the brine waste is an important consideration in oxidative electrochemical processes, however, because it cycles through oxidized and reduced states at the electrode surfaces and in the bulk solution. Electrochemical oxidation converts chloride ions to “active chlorine” species with additional oxidizing capability (chlorine, hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite – essentially bleach), as well as to chlorates, depending on the reaction conditions. The production of these active species improves treatment performance in the ammonium oxidation phase since oxidation is no longer limited to the electrode surface. However, the process must be engineered to minimize loss of process efficiency due to parasitic side reactions (chloramines and chlorate). In this study, two-stage batch electrolysis was conducted using a three-electrode (copper anode, platinum-coated titanium cathode, silver/silver chloride reference) electrochemical cell, with the anodic and cathodic chambers separated by a Nafion 117 membrane. Treatment of nitrate and ammonium was tested with and without the presence of chloride in the waste. No significant difference was observed in cathodic nitrate reduction with chloride present or absent. However, the presence of chloride in the solution favored overall soluble nitrogen elimination upon oxidation. Increasing applied current increased production of undesirable byproducts (especially chlorate).

Heat pump device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve indoor amenity by continuing indoor heating even during a defrosting operation, in a heat pump device having both of a heating function and a snow melting function. SOLUTION: A refrigerant circuit 20 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 25 and an intermediate heat exchanger 40 for snow melting. A circulation passage 50 for snow melting, to circulate brine to the heat exchanger 52 for snow melting buried in a pavement body, is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger 40 for snow melting. During a snow melting operation, the refrigerant heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 25, then the brine is heated by the intermediate heat exchanger 40 for snow melting, and the heated brine is supplied to the heat exchanger 52 for snow melting. On the other hand, during the defrosting operation, the refrigerant heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 25, then is utilized in defrosting in an outdoor heat exchanger 26, and absorbs the heat from the brine in the intermediate heat exchanger 40 for snow melting to be evaporated. In the intermediate heat exchanger 40 for snow melting, hot heat stored in the pavement body is supplied to the refrigerant during the snow melting operation. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Method for producing high-purity lithium hydroxide

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method by which lithium hydroxide which cannot be stored for quite a while and is incapable of domestic stockpile can be produced as needed. SOLUTION: Aqueous lithium chloride solutions are obtained from lithium carbonate, a lithium-bearing ore and a used lithium-ion secondary battery each capable of stockpiling with hydrochloric acid, or an aqueous lithium chloride solution is prepared using powder of lithium chloride separated from lithium-containing brine by adsorption with an inorganic adsorbent, and each of the aqueous lithium chloride solutions is subjected to bipolar membrane electrodialysis to simultaneously produce hydrochloric acid and an aqueous lithium hydroxide solution. The hydrochloric acid is reacted with a stored lithium source so as to repeatedly obtain lithium chloride. The aqueous lithium hydroxide solution is passed through a purification step where the impurities are diminished or removed and high-purity lithium hydroxide monohydrate is obtained. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Multi-stage flash desalination plant with feed cooler

Abstract: The once-through multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plant with feed cooler is a desalination system utilizing a feed water cooler. Particularly, the plant includes a conventional MSF system, with a separate water cooler for cooling the seawater or brine that is input into the system, prior to the passage of the brine into the condensation conduits and brine heater. In use, the cooled brine is pumped, under pressure, through at least one conduit that passes through a plurality of flash chambers. The brine is then heated and injected into the plurality of flash chambers, where it is flashed into steam. The steam condenses on an external surface of the at least one conduit, and the condensed water is then extracted from the plant.

Simultaneous desorption–crystallization of CO2–CaCO3 in multi-stage flash (MSF) distillers

Abstract: In this work, the desorption–crystallization of CO 2 –CaCO 3 in MSF distillers was simulated by coupling mass transfer with chemical reaction and correlating the CaCO 3 crystallization rates to the CO 2 release rates. The model was applied to two 20-stage reference MSF once-through and recycles distillers. The CO 2 release rates decreased exponentially from the first stage to the last stage. The CO 2 release rates increased with increasing top brine temperature (TBT) and so CaCO 3 deposition rates did. The CaCO 3 deposition rates increased by 76.9, 102.5 and 123.0 g per ton distillate at 90, 100 and 110 °C, respectively. This corresponded to fouling resistance of 0.64, 0.83 and 1.00 m 2 K/kW, respectively. The results were fully discussed and interpreted.

Method for treatment of high ph/silica brines

Abstract: A method for neutralizing brines that contain high levels of silica accompanied with a high pH. Brine is processed through a reactor in which the pH is lowered and the resultant silica precipitate is adsorbed onto a sacrificial crystal structure. The resultant stream is then processed through a solids removal zone wherein the solids are removed and recovered for reuse. The neutralized solids-free brine is then suitable for down-hole injection in the heavy oil industry or further treatment by common water treatment methods if further adjustment is required for other industries.

Evolution of the Dead Sea Brines

Abstract: The Dead Sea Group and the surrounding pre-Rift formations contain large volumes of stagnant and migrating interstitial brines, much of which interacting with neighbouring formations. The so-called Dead Sea brine is the commonest, of Ca-chloridic composition, with over 330 g/l of dissolved salts and with a uniquely high Br content (over 5 g/l). The lake, composed of this brine, fills the over 300 m deep basin of the Dead Sea and may be considered an outcrop of the surrounding underground fossil brine. This water body, and brines known from springs and boreholes around the lake, can all be derived from the mixing and chemical evolution of three basic brines. The first is a diagenetic brine, originally evaporated seawater of the Gulf of Sedom and later modified by Mg-Ca exchange into Ca-Mg-Na-K-Cl-Br water (with Ca2+> HCO3-+SO42-). In this brine, the original (marine) Mg has been exchanged for the Ca of carbonates of the Dead Sea Group and of the surrounding Cretaceous and older carbonate rocks, and most of the original sulfate has been lost through gypsum and anhydrite precipitation with this sequestered Ca. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the Dead Sea brine and in evaporates of the Dead Sea Group demonstrate their evolution from original Pliocene open-sea water, through restricted gulf waters and finally to the land-locked Ca-chloridic diagenetic brines. The second type of brine consists of meteoric waters, dilute to mesohaline, with seawater affinity (airborne seasalts). The third type is a mix of metamorphic brines, which evolved by incongruent alteration and dissolution of hydrous evaporate minerals (e.g. carnallite and gypsum) of the Dead Sea Group. The highly soluble salts are selectively and alternatingly retained in solution, in successive lakes, or recycled from solid deposits formed during periods of desiccation.