David L. Holcomb and Tandra L. Zitkus, Pentagon Technical Services, Larry Jones, I.E.T. Technologies, Inc.

Using a novel, small sized, flow-through electrolytic module, (FEM), and a cost-effective saline solution, nascent oxidant biocides can be produced for preventing and/or controlling micro-organisms that may plague aqueous polymer solutions in surface or downhole oil or gas well operations. The technology involves the use of electric current applied to the FEM while saline water is flowed through the FEM's two titanium/precious metal alloy tubes divided by a ceramic tube. The two flow streams are electrolyticly charged and produce both anolyte (anode solution), which has oxidizing biocidal properties, and catholyte (cathode solution) with antioxidant cleaning properties. These may be used separately or in conjunction with one another to treat various surface and/or downhole issues relative to the protection of water used for preparing fracturing polymer gels. In addition, those same gels or other polymers that have been injected into reservoirs may have become food for biomass growth, which may in turn impede production, fluid recovery or injection operations. Application of anolyte solution can provide remediation of that condition using relatively small, accurately placed volumes. The system produces solutions that provide optimum concentration levels for the function required and then reverts to safe aqueous saline dilutions. The technology has been employed in Russian oilfields, as well as in water treatment applications in Canada and the U.S.A.