A TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE USES AND APPLICATIONS OF

ALL THE
CHEMICALS IN GGI INTL (NIG) LTD WAREHOUSE

SUBMITTED TO
GROUP CHAIRMAN,
CHIEF (DR) INNOCENT .I. AKUVUE (KSJ; MNSCHE)

BY
ANI UCHECHUKWU JUDITH
A STUDENT OF
NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA
ANAMBRA STATE
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINERRING

CURRENTLY ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AT GGI INTL (NIG)

LTD

SEPTEMBER, 2014.

SUMMARY
Chemicals are of great importance in nature because they serve a lot of
purpose. They are used in the homes, schools, hospitals, pharmacies, oil
companies, breweries, or industries. Chemicals are needed everywhere for
different purposes.
In this report, the chemicals in the companys warehouse were identified,
their characteristics and their various uses noted. These chemicals fall into a
variety of categories, with a staggering overall number of different
compounds and blends (below). Some are in 25kg bags, 40kg bags, 50 kg
bags and 250liters drums. About 50 different chemicals were grouped into
bagged chemicals, commodity chemicals and GE branded specialty
chemicals.
Specialty chemicals are invaluable solutions to overcome problems that
plague oil and gas wells. In this work, we looked at the various chemicals
found in GGI warehouse as at the time of this report paying special attention
to their uses and application especially in the oil and gas sector.

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TABLE OF CONTENT
Summary
CHAPTER ONE: BAGGED CHEMICALS
1.1 Calcium Chloride
1.2 Potassium Chloride
1.3 Sodium bicarbonate
1.4 Soda Ash
1.5 Aluminum Sulfate
1.6 Sodium Sulfate
1.7 Caustic Soda
1.8 Ammonium Chloride
1.9 Calcium hypochlorite

2
4
4
5
6
6
7
8
9
9

CHAPTER TWO: COMMODITY CHEMICALS AND SPECIAL SOLVENTS

2.1 Hydrochloric Acid
11
2.2 Citric Acid
13
2.3 Xylene
14
2.4 Red Dye (Sudan Red)
15
2.5 Methanol
15
2.6 Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
16
2.7 Triethylene glycol (TEG)
16
2.8 Butyl glycol ether (BGE)
17
2.9 Monoethanolamine (MEA)
18
2.10 Diethanolamine (DEA)
18
2.11 Propylene Dichloride
18
2.12 Ammonia Solution
19
2.13 Petroleum Spirit
20
2.14 Chlorine gas
21
2.15 Sodium hypochlorite
23

CHAPTER THREE: GE BRANDED SPECIALTY CHEMICALS

3.1 Scale Inhibitors
3.2 Corrosion Inhibitors
3.3 Biocides
3.4 Emulsion Breakers
3.5 Defoamers
3.6 Coagulants and Flocculants
3.7 Oxygen Scavengers
3.8 Surfactants (Cleaners)

25
25
26
26
27
27
27
28

References

29

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CHAPTER ONE
BAGGED CHEMICALS
1.1 Calcium chloride
Calcium chloride, CaCl2, is a salt of calcium and chlorine. It behaves as a
typical ionic halide, and is solid at room temperature. Because of its
hygroscopic nature, anhydrous calcium chloride must be kept in tightly
sealed, air-tight containers.
USES
As a Desiccant: Drying tubes are frequently packed with calcium
chloride. Kelp is dried with calcium chloride for use in producing
sodium carbonate. Adding solid calcium chloride to liquids can
remove dissolved water.
For Deicing and freezing point depression: By depressing the freezing
point of water, calcium chloride is used to prevent ice formation and
to deice. This is particularly useful on road surfaces.
Calcium chloride is used in swimming pool water as a pH buffer and
to adjust the calcium hardness of the water.
Calcium chloride is included as an additive in plastics and in fire
extinguishers, in wastewater treatment as a drainage aid, in blast
furnaces as an additive to control scaffolding (clumping and adhesion
of materials that prevent the furnace charge from descending), and in
fabric softener as a thinner.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL & GAS SECTOR
In the oil industry, calcium chloride is used to increase the density of
solids-free brines. It is also used to provide inhibition of swelling
clays in the water phase of invert emulsion drilling fluids.
Calcium Chloride is used extensively in the drilling and maintenance
of oil wells drilling muds completion and packer fluids work over
fluids
1.2 Potassium chloride
The chemical compound potassium chloride (KCl) is a metal halide salt
composed of potassium and chlorine.
Uses
The majority of the potassium chloride produced is used for making
fertilizer, since the growth of many plants is limited by their
potassium intake. As a chemical feedstock, it is used for the
manufacture of potassium hydroxide and potassium metal.
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 It is also used in medicine, lethal injections, scientific applications,

food processing, and as a sodium-free substitute for table salt (sodium
chloride) as well as being an alternative to sodium chloride in
household water softener units.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
It is sometimes used in water as a completion fluid in petroleum and
natural gas operations.
1.3 Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is the chemical
compound with the formula NaHCO3. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid
that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder.
Uses
Sodium bicarbonate is used in a process for removing paint and
corrosion called soda blasting; the process is particularly suitable for
cleaning aluminium panels which can be distorted by other types of
abrasive.
It can be administered to pools, spas, and garden ponds to raise pH
levels. It has weak disinfectant properties, and it may be an effective
fungicide against some organisms.
Fire extinguisher. Sodium bicarbonate can be used to extinguish small
grease or electrical fires by being thrown over the fire. However, it
should not be applied to fires in deep fryers, as it may cause the grease
to splatter.
As a cleaning agent. A paste from baking soda can be very effective
when used in cleaning and scrubbing. For cleaning aluminum objects,
the use of sodium bicarbonate is discouraged as it attacks the thin
unreactive protective oxide layer of this otherwise very reactive metal.
Baking soda is commonly added to washing machines as a
replacement for softener and to remove odours from clothes. Sodium
bicarbonate is also effective in removing heavy tea and coffee stains
from cups when diluted with warm water.
As a biopesticide. Sodium bicarbonate can be an effective way of
controlling fungus growth
APPLICATION IN OIL AND GAS SECTOR
Sodium bicarbonates are used in drilling rig to treat cement
contamination in water mud. When cement hydrates, substantial
amounts of lime, ca(OH)2, are produced. As the cement sets, less free
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lime is available. When partial set cement is drilled with a water mud,
ca2+ and OH ions are leached into the mud, often causing problems
associated with clay flocculation and polymer precipitation. Bicarb
can be added, either as a pre-treatment or over a period of time to
remove ca2+ in the form of insoluble caco3.
1.4 Sodium carbonate
Sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda, soda ash and soda crystals),
Na2CO3, is a sodium salt of carbonic acid (soluble in water).
Uses
The manufacture of glass is one of the most important uses of sodium
carbonate. Sodium carbonate acts as a flux for silica, lowering the
melting point of the mixture to something achievable without special
materials.
Sodium carbonate is also used as a relatively strong base in various
settings. For example, sodium carbonate is used as a pH regulator to
maintain stable alkaline conditions necessary for the action of the
majority of photographic film developing agents.
It is a common additive in municipal pools used to neutralize the
corrosive effects of chlorine and raise the Ph
In chemistry, it is often used as an electrolyte. This is because
electrolytes are usually salt-based, and sodium carbonate acts as a
very good conductor in the process of electrolysis. In addition, unlike
chloride ions, which form chlorine gas, carbonate ions are not
corrosive to the anodes. It is also used as a primary standard for acidbase titrations because it is solid and air-stable, making it easy to
weigh accurately.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
It is called soda ash at the drilling rig and is used to treat most
types of calcium ion contamination in freshwater and seawater
muds. Calcium ions from drilling gypsum or anhydrite, CaSO4,
cause clay flocculation and polymer precipitation and lower pH.
A soda-ash treatment is appropriate for gypsum contamination
because caustic soda, NaOH, is not needed to raise pH. This is
also generally the case with hard water influxes into water
muds.
1.5 Aluminum sulfate
Aluminium sulfate, alternatively spelled either aluminum or sulphate, is a
chemical compound with the formula Al2(SO4)3. Aluminum sulfate is
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sometimes referred to as a type of alum. Alums are double sulfate salts, with
the formula AM(SO4)212H2O, where A is a monovalent cation such as
potassium or ammonium and M is a trivalent metal ion such as aluminum.
Uses
Aluminium sulphate is used in water purification and as a mordant in
dyeing and printing textiles. In water purification, it causes impurities
to coagulate which are removed as the particulate settles to the bottom
of the container or more easily filtered. This process is called
coagulation or flocculation.
Aluminium sulphate is sometimes used to reduce the pH of garden
soil, as it hydrolyzes to form the aluminium hydroxide precipitate and
a dilute sulphuric acid solution.
In construction industry it is used as waterproofing agent and
accelerator in concrete. Another use is a foaming agent in fire fighting
foam.
It is also used in styptic pencils, and pain relief from stings and bites.
It can also be very effective as a molluscicide, killing Spanish slugs
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
BOD AND COD removal: BOD and COD removal is an essential
function of every waste water treatment plant. Chemical treatment
with aluminium sulphate flocculants and coagulants enables the
increase of plant capacity.
Dredging: Aluminium sulphate can be used separately or in
combination to obtain the optimal result for dredging of rivers and
harbors.
1.6 Sodium sulphate
Sodium sulphate is the sodium salt of sulphuric acid.
Uses
Sodium sulphate used to dry an organic liquid. When sodium sulfate
is added to an organic liquid clumps form, indicating the presence of
water in the organic liquid. By further application of sodium sulfate
the liquid may be brought to dryness, indicated here by the absence of
clumping.
The largest use is as filler in powdered home laundry detergents,
consuming approx. 50% of world.

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Sodium sulphate is used as a fining agent, to help remove small air

bubbles from molten glass. It fluxes the glass, and prevents scum
formation of the glass melt during refining.
Sodium sulphate is important in the manufacture of textiles,
particularly in Japan, where it is the largest application. Sodium
sulphate helps in "levelling", reducing negative charges on fibres so
that dyes can penetrate evenly. Unlike the alternative sodium chloride,
it does not corrode the stainless steel vessels used in dyeing.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
It is used for the injection disposal of solid and liquid waste
materials from the drilling and production of oil and gas wells.
Sodium sulphate is a product sufficient to cover the cost of
processing the waste waters and ultimate disposal of unusable
byproducts. Waste waters produced by water purification and
particularly those produced from oil and gas wells, and
irrigation drainage, by processing such waters to recover a
valuable sodium sulfate product that provides economical
energy storage and transfer.
1.7 Caustic Soda
Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, or lye, is an inorganic
compound with the chemical formula NaOH.
Uses
Sodium hydroxide is used in many industries, mostly as a strong
chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking
water, soaps and detergents and as a drain cleaner.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL & GAS SECTOR
It is used in GGI Intl Nig Ltd to make sodium hypochlorite which is
used as a biocide in the oil and gas sector.
Sodium hydroxide is used in many scenarios where it is desirable to
increase the alkalinity of a mixture, or to neutralize acids. For
example, in petroleum industry, sodium hydroxide is used as an
additive in drilling mud to increase alkalinity in bentonite mud
systems, to increase the mud viscosity, and to neutralise any acid gas
(such as hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide) which may be
encountered in the geological formation as drilling progresses.
Poor quality crude oil can be treated with sodium hydroxide to
remove sulphurous impurities in a process known as caustic washing.
As above, sodium hydroxide reacts with weak acids such as hydrogen

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sulphide and mercaptans to give the non-volatile sodium salts which

can be removed.
1.8 Ammonium chloride
Ammonium chloride, an inorganic compound with the formula NH4Cl, is a
white crystalline salt, highly soluble in water. Solutions of ammonium
chloride are mildly acidic.
Uses
The main application of ammonium chloride is as a nitrogen source in
fertilizers (corresponding to 90% of the world production of
ammonium chloride), e.g. chloroammonium phosphate.
In the laboratory Ammonium chloride is used to produce low
temperatures in cooling baths. Ammonium chloride solutions with
ammonia are used as buffer solutions.
In paleontology, ammonium chloride vapour is precipitated on fossils,
where the substance forms a brilliant white, easily removed and fairly
harmless and inert layer of tiny crystals. This covers up any coloration
the fossil may have, and if lighted at an angle highly enhances
contrast in photographic documentation of three-dimensional
specimens. The same technique is applied in archaeology to eliminate
reflection on glass and similar specimens for photography.
Other uses include in hair shampoo, in the glue that bonds plywood,
and in cleaning products. In hair shampoo, it is used as a thickening
agent in ammonium-based surfactant systems, such as ammonium
lauryl sulphate. Ammonium chloride is used in the textile and leather
industry in dyeing, tanning, textile printing and to lustre cotton.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL & GAS SECTOR
In oil and gas industry Ammonium chloride is used in an aqueous
solution to work on oil wells with clay swelling problems. It is also
used as electrolyte in zinccarbon batteries.

1.9 Calcium hypochlorite

Calcium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with formula Ca (ClO) 2. It is
widely used for water treatment and as a bleaching agent. This chemical is
considered to be relatively stable and has greater available chlorine than
sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach).
Uses
Calcium hypochlorite is used for the disinfection of drinking water or
swimming pool water. Generally it is sold as 68% calcium
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hypochlorite combined with calcium chloride and other salts. It is

used as a sanitizer in outdoor swimming pools in combination with a
cyanuric acid stabilizer, which reduces the loss of chlorine due to
ultraviolet radiation. The calcium content hardens the water and tends
to clog up some filters; hence, some products containing calcium
hypochlorite also contain anti-scaling agents.
Calcium hypochlorite is an ingredient in bleaching powder, used for
bleaching cotton and linen. It is used in bathroom cleaners, household
disinfectant sprays, moss and algae removers, and weed killers.
In addition, calcium hypochlorite may be used to manufacture
chloroform.
Chlorine compounds, including calcium hypochlorite, are widely used
in the food industry to kill bacteria and disinfect surfaces and
production equipment.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
It is used as a powerful oxidizing biocide that is capable of preventing
bacterial growth

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CHAPTER TWO
COMMODITY CHEMICALS AND SPECIAL SOLVENTS
2.1 Hydrochloric acid.
Hydrochloric acid is a clear, colourless, highly pungent solution of hydrogen
chloride (HCl) in water. It is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid with
many industrial uses. Hydrochloric acid is found naturally in gastric acid.
Uses
Hydrochloric acid is a strong inorganic acid that is used in many industrial
processes. The application often determines the required product quality.
Pickling of steel. One of the most important applications of
hydrochloric acid is in the pickling of steel, to remove rust or iron
oxide scale from iron or steel before subsequent processing, such as
extrusion, rolling, galvanizing, and other techniques. Technical
quality HCl at typically 18% concentration is the most commonly
used pickling agent for the pickling of carbon steel grades.
Fe2O3 + Fe + 6 HCl 3 FeCl2 + 3 H2O
Production of organic compounds. Another major use of hydrochloric
acid is in the production of organic compounds, such as vinyl chloride
and dichloroethane for PVC. Other organic compounds produced with
hydrochloric acid include bisphenol And for polycarbonate, activated
carbon, and ascorbic acid, as well as numerous pharmaceutical
products.
2 CH2=CH2 + 4 HCl + O2 2 ClCH2CH2Cl + 2 H2O
( dichloroethane by oxychlorination)
wood + HCl + heat activated carbon (chemical activation)
Production of inorganic compounds. Numerous products can be
produced with hydrochloric acid in normal acid-base reactions,
resulting in inorganic compounds. These include water treatment
chemicals such as iron(III) chloride and polyaluminium chloride
(PAC). Fe2O3 + 6 HCl 2 FeCl3 + 3 H2O (iron(III) chloride from
magnetite). Both iron(III) chloride and PAC are used as flocculation
and coagulation agents in sewage treatment, drinking water
production, and paper production. Other inorganic compounds
produced with hydrochloric acid include road application salt calcium
chloride, nickel(II) chloride for electroplating, and zinc chloride for
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the galvanizing industry and battery production. CaCO3 + 2 HCl

CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O (calcium chloride from limestone)
pH Control and neutralization. Hydrochloric acid can be used to
regulate the acidity (pH) of solutions.
OH + HCl H2O + Cl
In industry demanding purity (food, pharmaceutical, drinking water),
high-quality hydrochloric acid is used to control the pH of process
water streams. In less-demanding industry, technical quality
hydrochloric acid suffices for neutralizing waste streams and
swimming pool treatment.
Regeneration of ion exchangers. High-quality hydrochloric acid is
used in the regeneration of ion exchange resins. Cation exchange is
widely used to remove ions such as Na+ and Ca2+ from aqueous
solutions, producing demineralized water. The acid is used to rinse the
cations from the resins. Na+ is replaced with H+ and Ca2+ with 2 H+.
Ion exchangers and demineralized water are used in all chemical
industries, drinking water production, and many food industries.
Hydrochloric acid is used for a large number of small-scale
applications, such as leather processing, purification of common salt,
household cleaning, and building construction.

Many chemical reactions involving hydrochloric acid are applied in

the production of food, food ingredients, and food additives. Typical
products include aspartame, fructose, citric acid, lysine, hydrolyzed
vegetable protein as food enhancer, and in gelatine production. Foodgrade (extra-pure) hydrochloric acid can be applied when needed for
the final product.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL&GAS SECTOR
Oil production may be stimulated by injecting hydrochloric acid into
the rock formation of an oil well, dissolving a portion of the rock, and
creating a large-pore structure. Oil well acidizing is a common
process in the North Sea oil production industry.
Hydrochloric acid has been used for dissolving calcium carbonate, i.e.
such things as de-scaling kettles and for cleaning mortar off
brickwork, but it is a hazardous liquid which must be used with care.
When used on brickwork the reaction with the mortar only continues
until the acid has all been converted, producing Calcium Chloride,
Carbon Dioxide and water:
2HCl + CaCO3 CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O
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2.2 Citric Acid

Citric acid is a weak organic acid with the formula C6H8O7. It is a natural
preservative/conservative and is also used to add an acidic or sour taste to
foods and drinks.
Applications
The dominant use of citric acid is as a flavouring and preservative in
food and beverages, especially soft drinks.
Foods, other. Citric acid can be added to ice cream as an emulsifying
agent to keep fats from separating, to caramel to prevent sucrose
crystallization, or to recipes in place of fresh lemon juice. Citric acid
is used with sodium bicarbonate in a wide range of effervescent
formulae, both for ingestion (e.g., powders and tablets) and for
personal care (e.g., bath salts, bath bombs, and cleaning of grease).
Citric acid is also often used in cleaning products and sodas or fizzy
drinks.
Cleaning and chelating agent. Citric acid is an excellent chelating
agent, binding metals. It is used to remove lime scale from boilers and
evaporators. It can be used to soften water, which makes it useful in
soaps and laundry detergents. By chelating the metals in hard water, it
lets these cleaners produce foam and work better without need for
water softening. Citric acid is the active ingredient in some bathroom
and kitchen cleaning solutions. In industry, it is used to dissolve rust
from steel. Citric acid can be used in shampoo to wash out wax and
colouring from the hair.
Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Citric acid is widely used as a pH
adjusting agent in creams and gels of all kinds. In this role, it is
classified in most jurisdictions as a processing aid and so does not
need to be listed on ingredient lists. Citric acid is an alpha hydroxyl
acid and used as an active ingredient in chemical peels. Citric acid is
commonly used as a buffer to increase the solubility of brown heroin.
Citric acid is used as one of the active ingredients in the production of
antiviral tissues. Dyeing
Citric acid can be used in food colouring to balance the pH level of a
normally basic dye. It is used as an odourless alternative to white
vinegar for home dyeing with acid dyes.

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 Qualitative analysis. Sodium citrate, a conjugate base of citric acid, is

used as a chelating agent and is present in the Benedict's reagent, used
for identification both qualitatively and quantitatively, of reducing
sugars.
Industrial and construction. Citric acid can be used as a successful
alternative to nitric acid in passivation of stainless steel.
Photography. Citric acid can be used as a lower-door stop bath as part
of the process for developing photographic film. Photographic
developers are alkaline, so a mild acid is used to neutralize and stop
their action quickly, but commonly used acetic acid leaves a strong
vinegar door in the darkroom.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL&GAS SECTOR
Enhanced Oil Recovery: Aluminum citrate is used for in-situ gelling
of polymers in polymer flooding operations. The citrate controls the
rate of availability of the aluminum ion.
Oil Well Acidizing: Citric acid is used in oil well acidizing to prevent
the formation of insoluble gels of iron hydroxide. Wells are typically
injected with HC1, oxidation reactions can occur which cause
formation of insoluble iron hydroxide gels. These gels interfere with
pumping hydroxide gels. These gels interfere with pumping
operations. Citric acid is added to the well to chelate the iron thus
preventing the gel formation.

2.3 Xylene
A xylene (from Greek , xylo, "wood") is an aromatic hydrocarbon
consisting of a benzene ring with two methyl substituents.
Uses
Terephthalic acid and related derivatives. p-Xylene is the principal
precursor to terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate, both
monomers used in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
plastic bottles and polyester clothing.
Solvent applications. Xylene is used as a solvent. In this application,
the mixture of isomers is often referred to as xylenes or xylol. Solvent
xylene often contains a small percentage of ethylbenzene.
It is also applied in printing, rubber, and leather industries. It is a
common component of ink, rubber, adhesive, and leather industries
Similarly it is a cleaning agent, e.g., for steel, silicon wafers, and
integrated circuits
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APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR

In the petroleum industry, xylene is also a frequent component of
paraffin solvents; used when the tubing becomes clogged with
paraffin wax. For similar reasons, it is often the active ingredient in
commercial products for ear wax (cerumen) removal.
Laboratory uses. It is used in the laboratory to make baths with dry ice
to cool reaction vessels, and as a solvent to remove synthetic
immersion oil from the microscope objective in light microscopy. In
histology, xylene is the most widely used clearing agent
2.4 Red dye (sudan red)
Sudan dyes belong to a family of industrial azo-dyes used to give colour to
plastics and other materials, including leather, fabrics, fats, oils, waxes,
polystyrene, cellulose and synthetic lacquers and polishes.
2.5 Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or
wood spirits, is a chemical with the formula CH3OH (often abbreviated
MeOH). Methanol acquired the name "wood alcohol" because it was once
produced chiefly as a by-product of the destructive distillation of wood.
Modern methanol is produced in a catalytic industrial process directly from
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen
Uses
Methanol, a common laboratory solvent, is especially useful for
HPLC, UV/VIS spectroscopy, and LCMS due to its low UV cut-off.
Feedstock. The largest use of methanol by far is in making other
chemicals. About 40% of methanol is converted to formaldehyde, and
from there into products as diverse as plastics, plywood, paints,
explosives, and permanent press textiles.
Also in the early 1970s, a methanol to gasoline process was developed
by Mobil for producing gasoline ready for use in vehicles.
Other chemical derivatives of methanol include dimethyl ether, which
has replaced chlorofluorocarbons as an aerosol spray propellant, and
acetic acid. Dimethyl ether (DME) also can be blended with liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) for home heating and cooking, and can be used
as a diesel replacement for transportation fuel.
Fuel for vehicles. Methanol is used on a limited basis to fuel internal
combustion engines. Pure methanol is required by rule to be used in
Champ cars, Monster Trucks, USAC sprint cars (as well as midgets,

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modifieds, etc.), and other dirt track series, such as World of Outlaws,
and Motorcycle Speedway.
Methanol is a traditional denaturant for ethanol, the product being
known as "denatured alcohol" or "methylated spirit". This was
commonly used during the Prohibition to discourage consumption of
bootlegged liquor, and ended up causing several deaths.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL &GAS SECTOR
Methanol is also used as a solvent, and as an antifreeze in pipelines
and windshield washer fluid.
In some wastewater treatment plants, a small amount of methanol is
added to wastewater to provide a carbon food source for the
denitrifying bacteria, which convert nitrates to nitrogen to reduce the
nitrification of sensitive aquifers.
Methanol is mixed with water and injected into high performance
diesel and gasoline engines for an increase of power and a decrease in
intake air temperature in a process known as water methanol injection.

2.6 Monoethylene Glycol

Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is an important raw material for
industrial applications.
A primary use of MEG is in the manufacture of polyester (PET)
resins, films and fibers.
Multiple Uses Including Chemical Feedstock, Chemical Intermediate,
Chemical Component, Chemical Constituent
MEG is important in the production of antifreezes, coolants, aircraft
anti-icer and deicers and solvents.
2.7 TRIETHYLENE GLYCOL (TEG)
Triethylene glycol is used as a dehydrating agent for natural gas; a solvent
and lubricant in textile dyeing and printing; a plasticizer; a raw material for
the production of polyester resins and polyols; a humectants; a constituent of
hydraulic fluids; a selective solvent for aromatics.
Uses
Triethylene glycol is well established as a relatively mild disinfectant
toward a variety of bacteria, influenza, viruses and fungi. However,
its exceptionally low toxicity, broad materials compatibility, and low

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door combined with its antimicrobial properties indicate that it

approaches the ideal for air disinfection purposes in occupied spaces.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
TEG is used by the oil and gas industry to "dehydrate" natural gas. It
may also be used to dehydrate other gases, including CO2, H2S, and
other oxygenated gases. It is necessary to dry natural gas to a certain
point, as humidity in natural gas can cause pipelines to freeze, and
create other problems for end users of the natural gas. Triethylene
glycol is placed into contact with natural gas, and strips the water out
of the gas. Triethylene glycol is heated to a high temperature and put
through a condensing system, which removes the water as waste and
reclaims the TEG for continuous reuse within the system.
Hydrate inhibition. Because of its high boiling point and affinity for
water, ethylene glycol is a useful desiccant. Ethylene glycol is widely
used to inhibit the formation of natural gas clathrates (hydrates) in
long multiphase pipelines that convey natural gas from remote gas
fields to a gas processing facility. Ethylene glycol can be recovered
from the natural gas and reused as an inhibitor after purification
treatment that removes water and inorganic salts.
2.8 Butyl Glycol Ether (BGE)
Uses
Coatings Industry. As a low volatility solvent, butyl glycol can be
used to extend the dry-ing time of coatings and improves their flow.
Small proportions of butyl glycol improve the brushability of, for
example, alkyd resin paints and reduces their viscosity. It is also an
extremely efficient flow improver for urea, mela-mine or phenol
staving finishes.
As a coalescing aid, butyl glycol can significantly lower the minimum
film forming Temperature (MFFT) and improve flow in many
physically drying paint systems.
Butyl glycol improves the evaporation behaviour of the volatile
constituents (e. g. in water-based staving enamels) during hot-air or
infrared drying.
Solvent in printing inks for leather dyes, etc.
Component in surface cleaners, e. g. to degrease metal surfaces.
Component in hydraulic fluids.
Starting material in the production of butyl gly-col acetate which is
also an excellent solvent.

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 Starting material in the production of plasticizers, e. g. by reaction

with phthalicanhydride.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
It is applied in the oil and gas sector as a Component in drilling and
cutting oils (strong solvent).

2.9 Monoethanol amine. (MEA)

Uses
A chemical intermediate in the manufacture of cosmetics, surfaceactive agents, emulsifiers, pharmaceuticals, and plasticizing agents.
Carbon dioxide and ammonia manufacturing.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL&GAS SECTOR
A gas-scrubbing agent for the absorption and removal of H2S and
CO2 from refinery and natural gas streams.
2.10 Diethanol amine (DEA)
Diethanolamine, often abbreviated as DEA or DEOA, is an organic
compound with the formula HN(CH2CH2OH)2. Pure diethanolamine is a
white solid at room temperature, but its tendency to absorb water and to
super cool mean it is often encountered as a colourless, viscous liquid.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL&GAS SECTOR
DEA is used as a surfactant and a corrosion inhibitor. It is used to
remove hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide from natural gas.
In oil refineries, a DEA in water solution is commonly used to remove
hydrogen sulphide from sour gas. It has an advantage over a similar
amine ethanolamine in that a higher concentration may be used for the
same corrosion potential. This allows refiners to scrub hydrogen
sulphide at a lower circulating amine rate with less overall energy
usage.
2.11 Propylene Dichloride (PDC)
Propylene Dichloride also known as 1, 2-Dichloropropane is an organic
compound classified as a chlorocarbon. It is a colorless, flammable liquid
with a sweet odor. It is obtained as a byproduct of the production of
epichlorohydrin, which is produced on a large scale.
Uses
Propylene Dichloride (also known as 1,2-Dichloropropane) is used as a
chemical intermediate in the production of chlorinated organic chemicals, as
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an industrial solvent, in ion exchange manufacture, in toluene diisocyanate

production, in photographic film manufacture, for paper coating, and for
petroleum catalyst regeneration. 1,2-Dichloropropane is used in furniture
finish, dry cleaning fluid, and paint remover, gum processing, metal
degreasing, oil processing, and as a rubber- and wax-making agent, and a
chemical intermediate in the production of tetrachloroethylene and carbon
tetrachloride.
2.12 Ammonia solution
Ammonia solution, also known as ammonium hydroxide, ammonia
water, ammonical liquor, ammonia liquor, aqua ammonia, aqueous
ammonia, or simply ammonia, is a solution of ammonia in water. It can be
denoted by the symbols NH3(aq). Although the name ammonium hydroxide
suggests an alkali with composition [NH4+][OH], it is actually impossible to
isolate samples of NH4OH, as these ions do not comprise a significant
fraction of the total amount of ammonia except in extremely dilute solutions.
Uses
Agricultural industries are the major users of ammonia,
representing nearly 80% of all ammonia produced in the United
States. Ammonia is a very valuable source of nitrogen that is
essential for plant growth. Depending on the particular crop being
grown, up to 200 pounds of ammonia per acre may be applied for
each growing season.
Ammonia is used in the production of liquid fertilizer solutions which
consist of ammonia, ammonium nitrate, urea and aqua ammonia. It is
also used by the fertilizer industry to produce ammonium and nitrate
salts.
Ammonia and urea are used as a source of protein in livestock feeds
for ruminating animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. Ammonia can
also be used as a pre-harvest cotton defoliant, an anti-fungal agent on
certain fruits and as preservative for the storage of high-moisture
corn.
Dissociated ammonia is used in such metal treating operations as
nitriding, carbonitriding, bright annealing, furnace brazing, sintering,
sodium hydride descaling, atomic hydrogen welding and other
applications where protective atmospheres are required.
Ammonia is used in the manufacture of nitric acid; certain alkalies
such as soda ash; dyes; pharmaceuticals such as sulfa drugs, vitamins
and cosmetics; synthetic textile fibers such as nylon, rayon and
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acrylics; and for the manufacture of certain plastics such as phenolics

and polyurethanes.

Ammonia is used in several areas of water and wastewater

treatment, such as pH control, in solution form to regenerate weak
anion exchange resins, in conjunction with chlorine to produce
potable water and as an oxygen scavenger in boiler water treatment.
Ammonia is used in stack emission control systems to neutralize
sulfur oxides from combustion of sulfur-containing fuels, as a method
of NOx control in both catalytic and non-catalytic applications and to
enhance the efficiency of electrostatic precipitators for particulate
control.
Ammonia is used as the developing agent in photochemical processes
such as white printing, blue printing and in the diazo duplication
process.
Ammonia is a widely used refrigerant in industrial refrigeration
systems found in the food, beverage, petro-chemical and cold storage
industries.
Ammonia is used in the rubber industry for the stabilization of
natural and synthetic latex to prevent premature coagulation.
The pulp and paper industry uses ammonia for pulping wood and as
a casein dispersant in the coating of paper.
The food and beverage industry uses ammonia as a source of
nitrogen needed for yeast and microorganisms.
The decomposition of ammonia serves as a source of hydrogen for
some fuel cell and other applications.
Ammonia is used by the leather industry as a curing agent, as a
slime and mold preventative in tanning liquors and as a protective
agent for leathers and furs in storage.
Weak ammonia solutions are also widely used as commercial and
household cleaners and detergents.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
The petroleum industry utilizes ammonia in neutralizing the acid
constituents of crude oil and for protection of equipment from
corrosion. Ammonia is used in the mining industry for extraction of
metals such as copper, nickel and molybdenum from their ores.

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2.13 Petroleum spirit

Petroleum spirit is a flammable petroleum distillate that boils lower than
kerosene and is suitable for use as a solvent and thinner especially for paints
and varnishes
2.14 Chlorine gas
Chlorine is a chemical element with symbol Cl and atomic number 17.
Chlorine is in the halogen group (17) and is the second lightest halogen
following fluorine. The element is a yellow-green gas under standard
conditions, where it forms diatomic molecules.
Uses
Chlorine is used in GGI in the production of sodium hypochlorite.
Production of industrial and consumer products: Principal
applications of chlorine are in the production of a wide range of
industrial and consumer products. For example, it is used in making
plastics, solvents for dry cleaning and metal degreasing, textiles,
agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, insecticides, dyestuffs, household
cleaning products, etc. Many important industrial products are
produced via organochlorine intermediates. Examples include
polycarbonates, polyurethanes, silicones, polytetrafluoroethylene,
carboxymethyl cellulose, and propylene oxide.
Public sanitation: Chlorine is presently an important chemical for
water purification (such as in water treatment plants), in disinfectants,
and in bleach. Chlorine in water is more than three times as effective
as a disinfectant against Escherichia coli than an equivalent
concentration of bromine, and is more than six times more effective
than an equivalent concentration of iodine.
Use as a weapon
I.

II.

World War I: Chlorine gas, also known as bertholite, was first used
as a weapon in World War I by Germany on April 22, 1915 in the
Second Battle of Ypres. As described by the soldiers it had a
distinctive smell of a mixture between pepper and pineapple. It also
tasted metallic and stung the back of the throat and chest. Chlorine
can react with water in the mucosa of the lungs to form hydrochloric
acid, an irritant that can be lethal
Iraq War: Chlorine gas has also been used by insurgents against the
local population and coalition forces in the Iraq War in the form of

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chlorine bombs Other chlorine bomb attacks resulted in higher death

tolls, with more than 30 deaths on two separate occasions. Most of the
deaths were caused by the force of the explosions rather than the
effects of chlorine, since the toxic gas is readily dispersed and diluted
in the atmosphere by the blast.
Against infection and contagion: Labarraque's chlorinated lime and
soda solutions have been advocated since 1828 to prevent infection
(called "contagious infection", and presumed to be transmitted by
"miasmas") and also to treat putrefaction of existing wounds,
including septic wounds. In this 1828 work, Labarraque
recommended for the doctor to breathe chlorine, wash his hands with
chlorinated lime, and even sprinkle chlorinated lime about the
patient's bed, in cases of "contagious infection." In 1828, it was well
known that some infections were contagious, even though the agency
of the microbe was not to be realized or discovered for more than half
a century.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
Chlorine dioxide has demonstrated unique properties during Down
hole treatments. As a true gas, even in the liquid phase, it can
permeate areas of the formation and well bore that other chemicals
and biocides fail to do, with or without the presence of near wellbore
plugging. Chlorine dioxide is highly soluble in oil which gives it the
unique ability to actually affect the wetability/surface tension of the
oil promoting increased movement and flow without leaving any
harmful residual. This combined with the chlorine dioxide's antiplugging agent effect often yields increases in performance and
production that are unobtainable by other methods.
Eliminates Iron Sulfide: Iron sulfide plugging in the near-wellbore
area is a widely recognized cause of decreased well productivity.
Unlike conventional acidization, which only temporarily solubilizes
iron sulfide deposits through the introduction of low pH hydrochloric
acid, Chlorine dioxide solution completely dissolves iron sulfide and
converts it to water-soluble iron sulfate.
Inactivates Biological Contamination: Iron sulfide deposits that
cause plugging in the near-wellbore area are formed through the
metabolic activity of Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) that are
introduced into the well as biological contaminants during workover,
hydraulic fracturing and maintenance operations. Environmental
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conditions deep within the well are typically warm and anaerobic (i.e.
no "free" oxygen present). SRBs thrive under such conditions,
utilizing ubiquitous sulfate as a "combined" source of oxygen to
complete their metabolic cycle, leading to the formation of iron
sulfide deposits and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas as undesirable
byproducts. Chlorine dioxide is a potent biocide that inactivates all
forms of microbial life with which it comes in contact, including
SRBs.
Removes Polymer Damage: Well plugging by polymer products
used during well drilling, hydraulic fracturing and stimulation
operations is another well-recognized cause of decreased well
performance. Although critical to carrying out these procedures,
residual polymer material can impede well performance if it remains
in the near wellbore area following completion. Chlorine dioxide
solution has been shown capable of removing such residual polymer
damage. Upon contact, chlorine dioxide solution breaks apart most
commonly used polymers through destructive chemical oxidation,
thereby facilitating their release from the near wellbore area.
2.15

Sodium hypochlorite.
Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula
NaClO. It is composed of a sodium cation (Na+) and a hypochlorite
anion (ClO); it may also be viewed as the sodium salt of
hypochlorous acid. When dissolved in water it is commonly known
as bleach or liquid bleach, and is frequently used as a disinfectant
or a bleaching agent.

Uses
Bleaching: Household bleach is, in general, a solution containing 38% sodium hypochlorite and 0.01-0.05% sodium hydroxide; the
sodium hydroxide is used to slow the decomposition of sodium
hypochlorite into sodium chloride and sodium chlorate. In household
form, sodium hypochlorite is used for removal of stains from laundry.
It is particularly effective on cotton fiber, which stains easily but
bleaches well.
Disinfection: A weak solution of 2% household bleach in warm water
is used to sanitize smooth surfaces prior to brewing of beer or wine.
Surfaces must be rinsed to avoid imparting flavors to the brew; the
chlorinated byproducts of sanitizing surfaces are also harmful. The
mode of disinfectant action of sodium hypochlorite is similar to that
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of hypochlorous acid. A 1-in-5 dilution of household bleach with

water (1 part bleach to 4 parts water) is effective against many
bacteria and some viruses, and is often the disinfectant of choice in
cleaning surfaces in hospitals (primarily in the United States). The
solution is corrosive and needs to be thoroughly removed afterwards,
so the bleach disinfection is sometimes followed by an ethanol
disinfection. Liquids containing sodium hypochlorite as the main
active component are also used for household cleaning and
disinfection, for example toilet cleaners. Some cleaners are
formulated to be thick so as not to drain quickly from vertical
surfaces, such as the inside of a toilet bowl.
Water treatment: In drinking water systems, swimming pools, etc.,
sodium hypochlorite is widely used for chlorination. Hypochlorites
are an alternative to chlorine gas, which is difficult to handle in many
contexts. Also, accidents involving chlorine gas are more serious than
accidents involving hypochlorites. Chlorination usually produces
small quantities of harmful byproducts. Hypochlorites are very similar
to chlorine gas in this regard.
APPLICATION IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as a biocide in
industrial applications to control slime and bacteria formation
in water systems used at power plants, pipelines etc. in
solutions typically of 10-15% by weight.
It is used in NLNG as a biocide, in water treatment and in
sludge removers

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CHAPTER THREE
BRANDED SPECIALTY CHEMICALS
APPLICATION IN THE OIL&GAS SECTOR
3.1 Scale Inhibitors:
Scale occurs because the minerals in produced water exceed their saturation
limit as temperatures and pressures change. Scale can vary in appearance
from hard crystalline material to soft, friable material and the deposits can
contain other minerals and impurities such as paraffin, salt and iron. Scale
inhibitors are used to prevent these deposits from forming. Scale inhibitors
are chemical agents that drastically reduce scale phenomena.
HYPERSPERSE MDC 150: It does not allow particles to clog the
membrane during filtration process. It is a membrane antiscalant and
antifoulant.
SCALETROL PDC 9443: Water base deposit control agent.
SCALETROL PDC 9450: Water base deposit control agent.
NOVUS CB2690: Organic sludge dewatering ferrous. It is a neutral
cleaner for Iron Oxide deposits.
3.2 Corrosion Inhibitors
Dissolved acid gases and biological deposits can cause severe corrosion to
occur in oilfield water handling systems. Corrosion by-products such as iron
sulfide, iron oxides, and biological mass can cause plugging of downstream
injection wells. Corrosion inhibitors are chemical agents that drastically
reduce corrosion phenomena. The fundamentals of their efficacy are two:
Physical protection of metal surfaces potentially subject to corrosion
(filming agents) and reduction of the concentration of chemical agents (H+
ion) potentially aggressive on metal surfaces in contact with free water
(neutralizer)
ENDCOR OCC 9796; It coats the walls of the unit or pipeline and
prevents corrosion that when corrosion occurs it eats up the endcor
instead of the body of the unit.
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 ENDCOR OCC 9783: it is a corrosion inhibitor that acts by coating

the walls of the unit(tanks, reactors) or pipeline
CORRSHIELD NT 4293: This is used by the oil and gas industries as
a corrosion inhibitor. When added to a liquid, coolants, hydraulic
fluids, boiler water, engine oil or gas etc it decreases the corrosion rate
of a material typically a metal or an alloy
CORRSHIELD NT 4201: same as above.
STEAMATE NAO880: Protects feedwater, boiler and steam
condensate system surfaces against both carbonic acid and dissolved
oxygen corrosion. Provides effective coverage of the entire steam
boiler system from a single feedwater injection point
3.3 Biocides: biocides inhibit the growth of any microorganism
Biocides are chemical agents capable of considerably reducing or even
eliminating the presence of bacteria or even eliminating the presence of
bacteria in water or oilfield produced fluids.
There are two types of biocides:
Contact biocides
Their function is to chemically transform the membrane proteins of the
target bacteria. They are generally fast-acting and broad-ranging. They also
include aldehydes (formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are the ones most
commonly used.)
Metabolic biocides.
These products must actually penetrate the bacteria cells in order to be
effective. Ones inside the bacteria they can interfere with their normal
metabolism in two ways: either inhibiting the normal operation of the vital
proteins or by allowing themselves to be modified by the metabolic proteins,
which transform them from non-toxic substances. These are generally
slower acting and more targeted to specific bacteria strains. This family
includes isothiazolinone, amines, and quaternary ammonium salts among the
others.
BIOMATE SAN 9487
BIOMATE SAN 9494
BIOMATE SAN 9595
3.4 Emulsion Breakers
Crude oil contains natural surfactants, which, when mixed with water, can
emulsify the water into oil. The more common emulsion is water dispersed
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in oil, but reverse emulsions (oil in water) can also occur. Emulsions raise
the bottom sediment and water (BSandW) of oil and are often very viscous.
EXP 3189

3.5 Defoamers
A defoamer or an anti-foaming agent is a chemical additive that reduces
and hinders the formation of foam in industrial process liquids. The terms
anti-foam agent and defoamer are often used interchangeably. In industrial
processes, foams pose serious problems. They cause defects on surface
coatings. They prevent the efficient filling of containers. A variety of
chemical formulae are available to prevent formation of foams.
FOAMTROL AF 1440E: It is used as antifoam for waste water in the
oil and gas industry.
MAX AMINE 70B: Max-Amine 70B is a defoamer (or antifoam)
formulated for use in amine systems that remove carbondioxide
(CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in gas processing applications
such as:
Natural gas processing
Refinery amine systems
Hydrogen production
Ammonia manufacture
. Coke oven gas processing
Cryogenic gas processing and
Synthesis gas purification.
3.6 Coagulants and Flocculants: This is a high all organic coagulant use for
oil/water separation that generally offers superior clarification in either
potable or wastewater, greater oil recovery, better metals removal and lower
sludge volume
KLARAID IC 1172: Surface and waste water coagulation.
KLARAID PC 1221E: Polymeric coagulant.
KLARAID PC 4000: Polymeric coagulant.
BETZDERBRON DLC30:
The BetzDearborn product line are flocculants designed to bridge
small particles together, enhancing floc formation. This increases
settling velocity in clarification, or rise-rate in flotation applications,

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and improves water drainage in thickening and dewatering

applications.
BETZDERBRON AE1128: It is an emulsion breaker
BETZDERBRON 3025
3.7 Oxygen Scavengers
Corrosion by oxygen in the boiler can be controlled by the addition of an
oxygen scavenger to the preboiler section of the steam generating system.
It is generally fed, along with other treatment chemicals, as an aqueous
solution to the feedwater either just upstream or, preferably, just downstream
of the deaerator, although it is sometimes added into the return lines to
scavenge oxygen in the condensate.
CONTROL IS3020: It is an inorganic oxygen scavenger used in the
oil and gas industry.
3.8 Surfactants (Cleaners)
Teepol: it is produced in GGI PRODUCTION/BLENDING PLANT
Designed for the removal of soiling caused by oils, greases and other
organic materials
Will remove stains and dirt of the following: Carbon, Tar, Ingrained
Dirt and Dust, Wet Paint, Ballpoint pen ink, Duplicating ink, Oil and
Grease
Formulated for Removal of Soiling such as oils, greases and other
organic materials
General Purpose Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Detergent, Disinfectant.

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N/B: The various codes in the GE Products indicate the system each branded
product should be applied.

REFERENCES
Austin, George T. (1984). Shreve's Chemical process industries. (5th ed.
ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 357. ISBN 9780070571471.
"Battle of Ypres" The Canadian Encyclopedia
"What is chlorine used for?". Euro Chlor. October 2010. Archived from the
original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2014-08-08.
"'Chlorine bomb' hits Iraq village". BBC News. 2007-05-17. Retrieved
2014-08-08.
Smith WT. (1994). Human and Environmental Safety of Hypochlorite. In:
Proceedings of the 3rd World Conference on Detergents: Global
Perspectives, pp. 183-5.
"Toilet Cleaners | Learn About Chemicals Around Your House | Pesticides |
US EPA:". United States Environmental Protection Agency. 9 May 2012.
www.huntsman.com/performance_products /Glycols
/teg_triethylene_glycol_.pdf
www.huntsman.com/performance_products/monoethanolamine.pdf

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www.severntrentservices.com/Oil___Gas/On_site_Sodium_Hypochlorite_G
eneration_Systems_prodc_523.aspx
www.solvents.basf.com/portal/ButylGlycol_e_04_08.pdf
www.webelements.com/forum/node/1706
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_sulfate
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonia
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_chloride
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodity_chemicals
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defoamer
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrochloric_acid
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium _Carbonate
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hypochlorite
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudan_Red_G
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylene

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