Garry D Laxton, International Dioxide
Chlorine dioxide has a wide variety of applications in the oilfield, including fracturing, water flood, salt water disposal wells and producing well stimulation. It is uniquely suited to deal with the core problems of microbiological fouling, H2S, iron sulfide and oil/water emulsions. The unique attributes of this oxidizing chemical mean that it will not react with hydrocarbons and most amines (unlike other oxidizers), and thus is effectively targeted on the problems most commonly encountered.
There are multiple ways to generate chlorine dioxide, both from the standpoint of the precursor chemicals used, and the equipment used for the generation. This paper will address these methods of generation and application of chlorine dioxide, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each for specific types of application.