Mechanistic aspects on the influence of inorganic anion adsorption on oilfield scale inhibition by citrate

This paper compares the carbonate scale inhibition efficiency of citrate in the presence of increasing salinity and pH. The results show that the rheology of scale changes according to these factors. This is attributed to a competitive adsorption mechanism on the scale mineral surface determined by zeta potential and adsorption. The ultimate conclusion of this study is that in regard of the relationship between the scale inhibitor performance and other anions in the surroundings, it is important to consider other ions in the system when determining the inhibitor concentration necessary for the inhibition of scale growth in oilfield production systems.