Synthesis and evaluation of novel copper hydroxide-loaded SBA-15 as inhibitors for an oilfield carbonate scale control: an experiment and a model study

The oil and gas industry faces significant challenges in scaling, leading to financial losses and production decline. This study aims to synthesize solid-scale inhibitors using copper hydroxide-loaded SBA-15 catalysts for the scale removal. The catalysts were synthesized using a simple impregnation method, and characterized using various tests. To evaluate the scale inhibition efficiency, static scale inhibition tests are conducted, measuring the effectiveness of the synthesized inhibitors in preventing scale formation. The results show potential applications for copper hydroxide-loaded SBA-15 solid-scale inhibitors in the oil and gas industry. The inhibitor’s efficiency increases under alkaline conditions, while its efficacy decreases with rising pH. At an optimal dosage of 7.5 ppm and temperature of 55 °C, the inhibitor achieves an impressive 99% inhibition efficiency on calcium carbonate, indicating excellent inhibitory performance. This material holds promise for more efficient and cost-effective scaling inhibition solutions across various industrial processes.