Lime scale is a major problem in many technical systems, e.g., oil extraction processes on production platforms. Scale often builds up in SSSVs, in wells and master wing- and choke-valves on X-mas trees. It also commonly occurs in flow lines, produced water systems, separators, flair drums, hydrocyclones, coolers, heat exchangers, cooling water systems, etc. Scale negatively affects process performance by reducing flow, increasing pressure drop, impairing heat transfer or, in the worst case, causing blockages, corrosion or leaks. Oil production is thus considerably reduced and, eventually, shutdown becomes unavoidable.

Lime scale impairs heat transfer, causing blockages and corrosion or leaks, if not removed.

De-scaling can be performed in many ways. One method is to remove scale using conventional chemical or mechanical cleaning, e.g. hydrojetting. However, the fluid in the part of the system being cleaned cannot be used for technical processes other than cleaning. This is a distinct disadvantage as it will often be necessary to shut down the process for cleaning purposes in order to remove corrosion. Such interruption can be very expensive because production is lost while cleaning is performed. IKM Ocean Team has vast knowledge and experience of de-scaling “live” processes and cooling systems. Meaning no production loss.

In most de-scaling operations, IKM Ocean Team uses commodity chemicals mixed with a corrosion inhibitor (to prevent or remove corrosion, especially in carbon steel) and a surfactant (to reduce permeability to oil, water or gas and to provide better cleanup results).

IKM Ocean Team’s in-line cleaning process allows the process to continue, for instance pumping up and re-pumping of crude oil. As it is not necessary to interrupt oil production during the de-scaling process, our in-line de-scaling program offers big savings in comparison with conventional chemical cleaning methods.

Another significant advantage of our in-line de-scaling program is that no expensive installation work is required to carry out cleaning. This results in big savings in terms of time and reduces the number of people required for the job, which in turn cuts costs and improves efficiency.