Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Phase Analysis and Modeling of Scale Deposition in Steel Tubes

Kuriger, Raymond J.
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7158-9447
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1450375676

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Mechanical Engineering (Engineering and Technology).
Boiler scale on waterside heat transfer surfaces poses a major operating challenge for Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operations used in the production of bitumen since produced water, which is high in total dissolved solids, is recycled. Scale from deposition of dissolved solids acts as a thermal insulating layer, decreasing heat transfer and lowering boiler efficiency. Understanding scale deposit composition on heat transfer surfaces is beneficial in the determination of adequate boiler maintenance practices and operating parameters. This research determined the effect of feedwater pH (7.5, 9, and 10) on scale composition resulting from deposition of dissolved solids under commercially relevant boiler operating conditions at 1,300 psig. Deposited phases were analytically investigated using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, a thermodynamic equilibrium model to predict scale formation rate and composition was developed using HSC Chemistry. At feedwater pH values of 7.5 and 9, anhydrite (CaSO4), xonotlite (Ca6Si6O17(OH)2), and pectolite (NaCa2Si3O8(OH)) were detected. At pH 10, xonotlite and pectolite were identified in the absence of anhydrite. Furthermore, a calcium silicate phase, presumably serpentine (3MgO·2SiO2·2H2O), was identified under all operating conditions by EDS analysis only. The equilibria model predicted anhydrite as the dominant phase under each operating condition, although the amount which formed decreased as pH increased. Xonotlite was not thermodynamically favored to deposit under any operating conditions.
Jason Trembly, PhD (Advisor)
David Young, PhD (Committee Member)
Frank Kraft, PhD (Committee Member)
Shadrick Paris, PhD (Committee Member)
151 p.
Mechanical Engineering
SAGD boiler scale deposition; waterside boiler scale; SAGD produced water boiler scale; boiler tube deposits; HSC Chemistry equilibrium modeling on boiler scale; SEM; EDS; XRD; Raman scale composition analysis

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Kuriger, R. J. (2016). Phase Analysis and Modeling of Scale Deposition in Steel Tubes [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1450375676

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Kuriger, Raymond. Phase Analysis and Modeling of Scale Deposition in Steel Tubes. 2016. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1450375676.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Kuriger, Raymond. "Phase Analysis and Modeling of Scale Deposition in Steel Tubes." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1450375676

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1450375676
2,169
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.