Siliceous scale deposits may be encountered in produced waters, especially in elevated temperature and pH systems. Certain cooling waters may also deposit silica-rich precipitates. These precipitates are often non- or poorly-crystalline due to kinetically-controlled reactions, although crystalline minerals, such as quartz, are thermodynamically-stable/favored. Produced waters typically contain dissolved alkali or alkaline-earth salts and trace metals, which enhance silica precipitation through 'salting out' effects or direct reactions. Metal-rich silicate scales deposit faster and at higher temperatures than may be predicted from kinetic and thermodynamic models. These metal silicate scales are often difficult to characterize due to non- or poor-crystallinity. The characterization and coordination chemistry of metal-rich silica scales is presented and discussed.

Chemistry of metal silicate deposits from geothermal and petroleum produced waters

244th National Meeting (2012)

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