Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Schlumberger private
Document Control
Revision History
Rev Effective Date Description Prepared by
A complete list of Schlumberger marks may be viewed at the Schlumberger Oilfield Services
Marks page: http://www.hub.slb.com/index.cfm?id=id32083
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction 7
1.1 Learning objectives 8
1.2 Safety warning 8
2.0 Acid Properties and Hazards 9
2.1 Definition of an acid 9
2.2 Applications 9
2.3 Acid properties 9
2.3.1 HCl acid strength 9
2.3.2 pH scale 10
3.0 Use of Acids in the Oilfield 13
3.1 Current oilfield acid applications 13
3.2 Historical background 13
3.3 Acid system selection 14
3.4 Description of acids used in the oilfield 15
3.4.1 Hydrochloric acid (HCl) 15
3.4.2 Hydrofluoric acid (HF) 15
3.4.3 Mud acid 17
3.4.4 Clay acid 17
3.4.5 Acetic acid 17
3.4.6 Formic acid (L036) 17
3.4.7 Other acid systems 17
3.5 Acid additives 17
3.5.1 Inhibitors and inhibitor aids 18
3.5.2 Surfactants 18
3.5.3 Foaming agents 18
3.5.4 Mutual solvents 19
3.5.5 Antisludge agents 19
3.5.6 Nonemulsifying agents 19
3.5.7 Iron-control agents 19
3.5.8 Specialty additives 19
4.0 Safety Considerations 21
4.1 Safety standards 21
4.2 Responsibilities 21
This JET manual introduces the storage, • The correct personal protective equipment
handling, mixing, and transportation of the (PPE) should be available and worn at
acids used by Schlumberger Well Services in all times by those handling acid and acid
matrix and acid-fracturing treatments and other materials.
acid-pumping services provided to clients.
• All personnel must be up-to-date on the
required safety training and certification in
This manual discusses how acid mixing and
standards and procedures.
storage systems work, describes the major
components used, reviews their proper • Review all material safety data sheets
operation, and addresses important safety and (MSDSs) for all materials before handling.
maintenance issues. • A risk assessment should be performed
before any operation.
Note: • All equipment associated with the handling,
Hydrochloric acid is by far storage, transport, transfer, mixing, and
the most common acid used pumping of any acid or acid materials must
by Schlumberger, and unless be well maintained and in good operating
otherwise stated, will be the acid condition. The Standard Equipment
of reference throughout the JET Maintenance (STEM) program must be well
manual. documented and followed.
• Document all procedures for the operation
of any equipment and processes
Other acids used are hydrofluoric acid (HF), relating to the storage, handling, mixing,
acetic acid, or mixtures of acids. transportation, and pumping of acids. All
personnel must be competent.
Because Schlumberger has locations all over
the world, acid storage tanks and related
equipment, transfer pumps, and transport Note:
tankers are procured from a variety of sources. The EO has a significant impact
For this reason, operating and maintenance on the profitability of the operation
procedures are different depending on the through the application of best
location. practices related to the storage,
handling, and transportation of
However, some basic facts do not change. It is acids.
important for the equipment operator (EO) to
understand the following:
| Introduction
2.0 Acid Properties and Hazards
Warning:
Acids are hazardous materials 2.3.1 HCl acid strength
capable of doing harm. The HCl is a solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl)
handling, storage, transportation, gas in water. The strength of the acid depends
and mixing of all acids must be on how much HCl gas is dissolved in a given
done with extreme care. quantity of water. Maximum concentration of
commercial grade HCl is about 36% by weight.
The most common method of measuring the The specific gravity is affected by temperature;
concentration of dissolved gas is by determining therefore, it is also necessary to measure
the specific gravity of the acid solution. The the temperature of the acid at the same time.
lower the specific gravity is, the lower the Corrections are then made to convert the
concentration of acid is. The specific gravity readings back to the reference temperature of
reading is then converted into a percentage HCl 60 degF (16 degC).
by weight.
Refer to Appendix 2.1.3 of the Matrix Materials
A hydrometer is used to measure the specific Manual for the method, conversion tables from
gravity (and thus the strength) of HCl solutions. percent HCl to specific gravity and Baume
A sample of the HCl is placed in a graduated units, and the temperature correction factors.
cylinder so that it floats freely (see Fig. 2‑1).
Any floating oil must be removed from the
surface of the acid and the hydrometer must be 2.3.2 pH scale
cleaned. The point on the hydrometer scale at The pH scale (Fig. 2-2) is a measure of the
the surface of the liquid indicates the specific relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A
gravity. change of one pH unit means a 10x change
in the acidity or alkalinity of the solution. For
example, a change from pH 5 to pH 2 means
See detail an increase in acidity of 1,000x.
Horizontal plane
surface of liquid
Bottom of
meniscus
Figure 2-2. pH Scale
Liquid
The choice of different acids used in the oil 3.2 Historical background
industry is based on
The use of acids in oil wells began over
• their reactivity with different reservoir rocks 100 years ago (Fig. 3-1). The following
and damage type significant dates and events mark the
development of well stimulation.
• by-products formed when they react
• properties of the reservoir, reservoir fluids, 1895: Ohio Oil Company used hydrochloric acid
and well tubulars. to acidize wells. It was reported that oil wells
increased production three times and gas wells
four times.
3.1 Current oilfield acid applications
Acids are used in the oilfield to March 1896: A patent for using hydrochloric
acid (HCl) for acidizing limestone was issued to
• stimulate wells to improve well production Herman Frasch, a chief chemist with Standard
Oil Company.
○ wellbore cleanup: The wellbore is filled,
washed, and allowed to soak with acid to
Unfortunately, the use of corrosion inhibitors
remove inorganic and organic deposits
was not considered and the acid severely
from the tubulars and the formation face.
corroded the well casing. The technique
○ acid fracturing: Acid is injected into declined in popularity and was dormant for
low-permeability carbonate formations about 30 years.
at pressures greater than the formation
fracturing pressure.
○ matrix acidizing: Acid is injected radially
into the matrix structure of the formation
below the fracturing pressure. The acid
reacts with rock and plugging materials,
removing damage and restoring
permeability to the near-wellbore
reservoir rock.
• remove scale and buildup of compounds
on the inner walls of pipes used in oil and
gas wells
• clean equipment such as boilers, pipe
work, and heat exchangers in chemical Figure 3-1. Pumping Acid in the Old Days
plants and refineries
1931: Dr. John Grebe of the Dow Chemical
• help free stuck pipe Company discovered that arsenic inhibited
• provide miscellaneous other uses. the action of HCl on metal. The Gypsy
3.4.4 Clay acid Refer to the Matrix Materials Manual for details,
Clay acid is a mixture of HCl, intensifier Y001 InTouch Content ID# 4013354.
(ammonium bifluoride), and intensifier Y006,
which contains boron. Clay acids slowly release
HF from the hydrolysis of HBF4. There are four
3.5 Acid additives
clay acid formulations: Acid solutions are mixed with one or more
additives to allow them to be used effectively in
• full strength clay acid, used for 130 to oilfield applications. Schlumberger stimulation
300 degF [54 to 149 degC] acids always contain water, concentrated acid,
and a corrosion inhibitor.
• full strength clay acid LT, used for 100 to
130 degF [38 to 54 degC]
• half-strength clay acid Note:
• half-strength clay acid LT. Clean, rust-free tanks must be used
when preparing all acid mixtures.
3.4.5 Acetic acid
Acetic acid (HC2H3O2) can be prepared using
either glacial acetic acid (using stabilizing agent
L400, 100% acetic acid) or a low freezing point
Acids and acid additives are hazardous ID# 3313681 and TBT at InTouch Content
materials because they can cause injury, ID# 3318425.
a health hazard, or damage to property
• WS Safety Standard 17: Storage and
and equipment. To minimize the risks while
Handling of Oxidizers: InTouch Content
working with acids and acid additives,
ID# 3313693 and the TBT at InTouch
appropriate precautions should be taken. For
Content ID# 3334298.
example, water should never be added to the
concentrated acid because the solution could • Well Services Safety Standard 4: Facilities
boil and splash into your face or on your body. and Workshops: InTouch Content
Always add acid to water. ID# 3313678.
• Well Services Safety Standard 25:
Confined Space Entry, InTouch Content
4.1 Safety standards
ID# 3313705, because the tanks used
Personnel involved in handling and using to store acids and acid chemicals are
any acid or acid additive must review and be considered confined spaces and personnel
certified in the following standards: must meet all the confined space
requirements before entering them.
• Well Services Safety Standard 18:
Material Handling and Chemical Hazard
4.2 Responsibilities
Communication (HAZCOM): details
specific rules and procedures that must Management is responsible for
be followed at all locations at which
hazardous materials are handled and used • complying with these standards; supplying
in operations; refer to InTouch Content the necessary personal protective
ID# 3313694 and also the TBT at InTouch equipment (PPE)
Content ID# 3348663. • providing the training for personnel
• Schlumberger Environmental Standard: • applying for exemptions when compliance
SLB-QHSE S008: details the requirements is not possible.
and procedures designed to protect
the environment, prevent pollution, Job supervisors are responsible for
minimize environmental impact, and
comply with environmental laws and • ensuring that all Schlumberger employees
regulatory requirements; InTouch Content and contractors at the work site comply
ID# 3605373. with these standards
• OFS QHSE Safety Std 003: Personal • recognizing the risks associated with the
Protective Equipment (PPE): InTouch operation and reducing these risks to the
Content ID# 3260259. greatest extent possible
4.3 PPE
PPE must be worn while working as mandated
in OFS QHSE Safety Standard 003. When
handling acids and acid additives, any
additional PPE required is listed in the MSDS
for each product (see http://slb-chemicals.
sugar-land.oilfield.slb.com/Msds.cfm ). See
Table 4-1 for a list of the minimum PPE required
for each type of acid. Figure 4-2. Faceshield
Hand Protection: Gloves (Impervious) Eye & Face Skin & Body
Acid Respirator
Butyl Neoprene Nitrite PVC Viton Protection Protection
Hydrochloric acids (HCl) X X X - X
NIOSH-
Hydrofluoric acids (HF) - X X X X
approved
Acetic acid (L400, L401) - X - - - respirator
with organic
Formic acid (L036) - X - - - vapor/acid
gas protection
Tightly
Mud acids (HCI + HF) - X X X - (color coded Chemical-
fitting safety
yellow). resistant suit,
goggles.
Clay acids (HBF4 + HF + HCl) - X X X - boots.
Face shield.
Y001 intensifier - - X - - NIOSH-
approved
Y006 intensifier X - - - - respirator with
dust and mist
protection (3M
8210).
• MSDSs
• product labels
• shipping pages
• EU – ADR Trem Cards
• US – Shipping Papers
Figure 4-6. Breathing Mask
• Canada – Shipping Manifests.
These documents are available at the following
4.3.5 Treating HF acid exposure Web site, which is also a useful source of
information: http://slb-chemicals.sugar-land.
HF will cause excruciatingly painful, oilfield.slb.com/.
deep-seated skin burns that are slow to heal.
The effects of dilute solutions (<20%) do not
usually become apparent until several hours 4.4.1 Material safety data sheets
after exposure. (MSDSs)
If skin comes in contact with HF, rinse The MSDS is the reference document for
thoroughly with water and massage calcium all material hazard, safety, and handling
gluconate gel or benzalkonium chloride solution information for each acid or acid additive.
into the burn site. This gel is not PPE, but it is
a special requirement when handling or mixing A complete list of MSDSs can be found at http://
hydrofluoric acid (HF). Apply the gel every www.hub.slb.com/display/index.do?id=id84363
15 minutes and massage until pain/redness
resolves or until medical care is available. The The following requirements include all Well
first aid provider should wear gloves when Services chemicals, purchased products, and
applying the gel to prevent contact with the purchased maintenance materials, which are
acid. hazardous items:
• MSDSs must be supplied for any materials • HMIS Label (see Fig 4-7): All products from
purchased from Well Services (WS) and to the USA must have the HMIS label, which
customers upon request. contains three boxes:
○ health hazard
4.4.2 Chemical labels
○ flammability hazard
All chemical materials that cause a physical,
health, or environmental hazard must comply ○ reactivity hazard.
with the Well Services policy for labels.
Each of the boxes contains a number from
This includes chemicals supplied by WS,
0 to 4 indicating the hazard level: 0 = no
repackaged chemicals, laboratory chemicals,
risk; 4 = high risk.
raw materials, and common chemicals such as
solvents, coolants, and fuels. • EU Label (see Fig. 4-8): Products from
Europe must have the EU label, which
Each material package or container must be
shows a series of symbols to define
clearly marked with the following information:
physical, health, and environmental
hazards. These symbols do NOT indicate
• chemical name or code of the chemical.
the potential hazards.
This identity must show the alphanumeric
Well Services code and the trade name Canadian WHMIS label (see Fig. 4-9): Products
and must be the same as the description from Canada must have the Canadian WHMIS
of the material in the MSDS (e.g., H015 label, which has symbols that define physical,
hydrochloric acid 15%). health, and environmental hazards.
• hazard warnings
• name and address of the manufacturer, the
company packaging the product, distributor,
and so on.
Other requirements include the following:
Schlumberger uses approximately 80 acid necessary to unload the acid with an acid
suppliers around the world, with 60% of transfer pump and hoses.
the supply coming from five suppliers. The
locations in which the largest use of acid occur
are US land, Canada, and the Arabian Gulf.
Note:
If the acid received does not match
the strength and volume ordered,
inform your supervisor immediately.
Note:
When flushing acid out of lines,
valves, and pumps with fresh water,
make sure you use a flush rate high
enough to ensure all the acid is
flushed out.
Acid storage (Fig. 6-1) refers to equipment used • revetment with a protective coating
primarily at the district or job site to hold acid
• loading dock.
until it is needed for a job.
The preferred facilities are not available at
The equipment used at Schlumberger districts many locations. Typical levels of facility for acid
for acid storage varies widely depending on storage and mixing are
location, local laws and regulations, and the
level of acidizing services provided. • high volume bulk storage capacity for
more than one acid type with several acid
The preferred storage facility for an acid plant storage tanks
includes • fume scrubber
• acid storage tank
• water storage tank
• mix tank
• acid fume scrubber
• liquid additive system
Figure 6-2. Fume Scrubber with Electric Water Pump Figure 6-5. Acid Mixing Tank with Electric Paddle
Figure 6-3. Acid and Water Storage Tanks Figure 6-6. Liquid Additive Storage Tanks and Pumps
Figure 6-8. Acid Storage Tanks and Loading Area Figure 6-11. Liquid Additive Storage Tanks and Fume
Scrubbers
Figure 6-10. Control Panel for Acid Plant Figure 6-13. Fume Scrubbers and Water Pumps
Figure 6-14. Acid Storage Tanks 20,000 galUS Figure 6-17. Acid Storage Tanks
Figure 6-15. Rear of Acid Storage Tanks Figure 6-18. Restricted Access to Acid Plant
Figure 6-16. Acid Valve and Suction on Acid Storage Tanks Figure 6-19. Suction and Fill-Up Lines on Acid Storage Tanks
Figure 6-22. Chemical Bulk Storage Figure 6-25. Liquid Additive Pumps
Figure 6-26. General View of Acid Storage Tanks, Water Supply Tank and Fume Scrubber (with lagged point)
Figure 6-27. Acid Storage Tanks, Piping and Walkway (notice secondary containment wall)
Figure 6-28. Eye Wash Station (notice Figure 6-29. Acid Plant with Acid Railcar to
lagging for cold weather) Be Offloaded
Figure 6-31. 2 x 30,000-galUS Rubber Lined Acid Tanks and Fume Scrubber with Secondary Containment and Warning Signs
Figure 6-41 shows the mV BIGORANGE 25 in the Persian Gulf. When acid tanks are installed on
its back deck, the raw acid storage is 120,000 US gallons.
Note:
The surface on which the linings or
coatings are put must be clean and
dry.
stations
Eye wash and safety shower stations must be
installed according to Well Services Safety
Standard 2: Emergency Shower and Eye Wash
Stations, InTouch Content ID# 3313674. An eye
wash station and a safety shower must be on
the loading dock area and in the area where
additives are mixed (Fig. 6-52).
Eye wash station
Warning:
Use only clean drinking water in
both the safety showers and eye
wash stations. Never use any
other solution; your eyes could be
damaged on contact.
Note:
Make sure that the water treatment
chemical is safe for use in eyes.
The eye wash station must be
washed and flushed with clean
water every 30 days.
Warning:
You must remove chemicals that
come in contact with your eyes
within 15 to 30 seconds.
Note:
Manufacturer’s specifications
must be checked to determine
compatibility of fluids to be stored
and transported with the coating/
lining used under local conditions.
Tank level
controls
Fill • rubber: can only be used for straight acid,
line noninhibited acid, and zero additives.
It should not be used to store solvents
such as xylene or toluene. Any tanks with
rubber linings must have a sign marked,
12,000-galUS “Rubber-Lined Tank—Do not cut or weld”.
Level acid storage
gauge
tank
To mix /
FC
transfer
line
Note:
Never pull a vacuum on an HCl
Figure 6-57. Schematic of Acid Tank tank car. It could damage the
rubber liner.
Butyl-Lined Tank
Tank capacity 22,700 I (6,000 galUS)
Weight, empty 6.8 t (15,00 lbm)
Weight, full 34 t (75,000 lbm)
Length 732 cm (24 ft)
Height 290 cm (9 ft 6 in)
Width 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Spray head Figure 6-62. Marsh Pump Used for Fume Scrubber
polypropolene, or three
flnage connections in SS
Stator
or PPP).
Counter
Note:
The condition of the king nipples
Note:
and connections should be Regular checks must be performed
checked regularly for excessive on the condition of the hoses and
corrosion. connections for wear and corrosion.
They must be well flushed with
water and stored correctly after
• Two-inch hoses: Various hose types are use.
used to transfer acid and acid additives
(see Fig. 6-76 for an example). Some types
used with Delasco and Wilden pumps
are a PVC hose or layered hose with Hose covers (see Fig. 6-77) on the discharge
(UHMW/PE) inside and EPDM outside, and hoses are recommended for acid treatments.
with wire reinforcement. These will prevent acid or other hazardous
fluids from being sprayed all over the location if
a hose or connection failure occurs.
Note:
Care should be taken to ensure
these hoses are not crushed and
that they are well flushed with water
and then emptied after each use.
Note:
The transporters have linings
that are not designed to store
concentrated acids for long periods
of time.
Caution:
Use caution when opening the cap
because hazardous vapors or mist
may be expelled.
Air regulator
and gauge
Air vent
(1-in ball valve)
Air input
20-in manyway with
Viton gasket
3-in Girard GE-IMF44 relief
valve (64-psi) and gauge
with rupture disc (70-psi)
Figure 7-7. Top Hatch of SSS-111 Acid Tank with Safety devices
• pressure gauges: A pressure gauge • relief valve: This valve will relieve pressure
must be included, to monitor air pressure that builds up inside the tank into the vent
supplied when unloading the tank and a line. The type of valve and its setting will
pressure gauge to monitor vapor pressure depend on the tank type.
inside the tank.
Note: Note:
Before opening the cap, verify The relief valve must be checked
that there is no positive pressure regularly as described in WS MB
indicated on the relief valve gauge. Section VII: # 625-E: Pressure
Any positive pressure reading Vessel and Relief Valve Inspection
indicates that the rupture disc has and Test Procedures.
failed and needs to be replaced.
STOP and notify supervisor before
continuing. • rupture disc (also known as a burst disc):
This disk is a non-reclosing pressure
relief device, which provides a leak-tight
Caution:
The settings of the relief valve and
burst disc type and rating must be
according to tank manufacturer’s
recommendations. DO NOT
change them.
Many different kinds of tanks are used to store • Before performing any hot work inside the
and transport acids. Proactive maintenance tank, confirm that no gases or flammable
on the tanks and all related equipment is fumes are present.
necessary to prevent failures and the possibly
• Relieve all pressure from equipment and
catastrophic consequences of failure, and to
lines before attempting repairs.
increase their useful lifespan.
• Do not tamper with safely valves.
This section covers the basic maintenance • Repair all leaks as soon as possible.
checks that should be performed. Many
locations will have location-specific • All replacement parts and accessories
maintenance checks that must be performed. must be clean and suitable for use at the
Check with your local Maintenance Department. temperature and pressure of the intended
service.
Note:
Review the WS Safety Standards:
No. 4, General Facility and
Note:
Workshop, No. 12, Permit to Work Because hazardous materials
System, and No. 15, Lockout/ are stored and transported in
Tagout of Hazardous Energy these tanks, and some tanks are
Sources before performing any defined as pressure vessels, some
maintenance. inspections and certifications will
need to be performed by approved
third-party inspectors in compliance
Before starting any work or inspection with local regulations (e.g., DOT or
remember the following: IMDG/ADR).
Note:
The integral linings test must be
performed once every 30 months.
Figure 8-2. Blister in Rubber Lining Wrongly Used to
Transport Solvents
Note:
Any modifications to equipment
are to be done via Equipment
Modification Request (EMR) and
approved by management of area.
Before any acid mixture can be prepared, it is to the proper amount of water and additives
necessary to calculate the correct volumes of (liquid or solid) to strengths of 5 to 28% HCl.
water, concentrated acid, and additives.
The formula to calculate the amount of
The basic mixing procedure for all acid systems concentrated acid that is needed to make a
is as follows. required volume of dilute acid is
• By mixing concentrated HCl with Y001 • Give volume and strength of dilute
(ammonium bifluoride): See Section 3.3.5.1 acid required and the strength of the
of the Matrix Materials Manual. concentrated acid to be used.
• Specify the type of acid additives in the
system.
Generic operating procedures for transporting, Fall protection may also be required if
transferring, and mixing acid are given in the working on top of tanks.
following sections. These procedures will vary
from one district to another, depending on the 2. Spill control equipment must be
equipment used, the acid and additive types, available, the location should have a
and the location (acid bulk plant or wellsite). Spill Response Plan, and personnel
must have been trained in treating spills.
Acid mixtures can be prepared at the bulk plant A supply of neutralizing agent (e.g.,
and transported to the wellsite, where they soda ash for HCl) must be available in
are either transferred to acid storage tanks or sufficient quantities to neutralize the
remain in the transport tanks. The acid mixture maximum possible spillage. A water
will then be pumped from the tanks when the supply must be available near the
job is performed. storage or mixing site to dilute and flush
any neutralized spillage.
Concentrated acid and the additives may be
delivered separately to the job site, where they 3. All personnel should be up to date in the
are prepared and mixed with water to provide required Well Services and OFS safety
the required acid mixture. training.
Step 05 Take a sample of the acid 2. Ensure the vent on tanker or hatch is
delivered and measure its SG with a open.
hydrometer to confirm it is indeed the
concentration that was ordered. 3. Start to transfer acid slowly, checking
for leaks, and then increase the transfer
4. Occasionally check the fill gauge (sight 5. Slowly vent the tanker 10 to 15 minutes
glass or level indicator) to confirm that before the tanker is empty. When the
the tank is not about to overfill. tanker empties, it will vent through the
acid unloading line into the receiving
5. When discharging is almost complete, system. The hose will jump and the
slow down the transfer rate. sound of air rushing through will be
evident when the trailer is empty and
12b. Using air pressure procedure this venting begins.
4. After the unloading air pressure is Step 16 Switch off the fume scrubber
attained and flow from the transporter pump and drain the scrubber.
to the acid storage tank is verified, the
STEP 12 Monitor level of acid transferred 3. Ensure that a complete STEM-1 check
into the transport tank(s) and slow down been performed on the tractor and
transfer rate when required level is approached. trailer.
Check acid level using tank level gauge(s) or
dipstick.
10.4 Preparing acid mixtures for
STEP 13 When the transport tank is filled
transport
with the required volume of acid, close storage Acid mixtures may be prepared in the acid mix
tank valve. Do not exceed stated capacity. tank at the bulk plant and then transferred to
the transport tank, or they can be prepared
STEP 14 Measure the fluid level in the acid directly in the transport tank (Fig. 10-2).
storage tank and confirm that the decrease
in volume is the same as the increase in the step 01 Ensure the nine requirements
volume in the acid transport tank(s). Flush lines, listed in Section 10.1 are met.
valves, and pumps with water and close the
valves.
step 02 Park the acid transporter or tanks
in the acid loading area (see Fig. 10-1). Stop the
STEP 15 Rig down, taking care for any truck engine and place chock blocks under the
unflushed areas in the treating lines and wheels.
equipment.
step 03 Secure the loading area. Place
STEP 16 Complete the required paperwork warning signs such as “Danger—Acid Loading:
and inventory management. signs on all open sides of the tanker or tank
being filled.
STEP 17 Perform any required
housekeeping and STEM-1 checks of
equipment. Clean and store all PPE. Check
whether any spills occurred and clean up as
necessary.
1. Open the vent line before opening step 06 Take a sample of concentrated
hatches. acid and measure its SG with a hydrometer.
Confirm that the SG corresponds to the
2. Visually inspect the inside of the expected acid concentration.
transport tanks for cleanliness and to
ensure that they are empty. Check that step 07 Calculate the volume and
the tanks are undamaged and all seals concentration of each fluid to be loaded (water,
in place. acid, and additives) to give the total volume
required. Confirm that the tank in which the
3. Visually inspect fill and discharge lines, mixing is to occur is large enough for the
connections, dome lids, and hoses for expected final volume.
damage.
step 08 Confirm fluid levels with a
measuring stick or the tank level indicator of
Caution:
When water and some additives step 12 Circulate the mixture with the
are added to strong acids, large mixing pump thoroughly. Mixing can also be
amounts of heat are released that done using paddles, circulation pumps, or an air
can cause boiling of the water and lance.
result in hot acid splashing out of
the container. Acid or chemicals 1. Using an air lance may cause excessive
must be added to the water to allow foaming in acid systems containing
the heat to be dissipated in the foaming agents and some surfactants
water. and thus be considered too dangerous
for some acid systems, so it is not
recommended in these cases.
step 10 Load the volume of fresh water 2. A paddle tank may not be appropriate
necessary to prepare the desired quantity and if additives that may attack the seals of
concentration of acid into the acid mix tank. the paddles are used.
Note:
step 13 Add all other additives (e.g., F or
W agents; see Section 3.5) using a chemical
Remember that the volume of mix transfer pump, and mix thoroughly.
water must be reduced by the
volume of corrosion inhibitor and
other additives to be used. That step 14 Meter in the predetermined
is, add the total additive volume to volume of concentrated acid.
fresh water volume to obtain the
total mix-water volume. step 15 When the acid transfer is
complete, flush lines with fresh water and close
acid discharge and suction valves. Flush lines
with a small amount of water. This water will go
step 11 Add the proper amounts of in to the tank being loaded unless provisions
corrosion inhibitor and inhibitor aid to the mix have been made to divert flow elsewhere.
water. Shut down the additive pump if one was
used. step 16 Thoroughly mix the solution to
uniformly distribute the acid and all additives.
step 19 Transfer the uniformly blended Step 01 Work at the dock level; stay off
acid to the transporting tank truck. trucks.
step 20 Flush all lines and pumps with step 02 All chemicals must be
fresh water and rig down fill-up lines to acid pumped through a closed system using a
transport tank(s). Take care for any unflushed remote‑controlled pump. Do not leave the pump
areas in the treating lines and equipment. unattended while it is on.
10.4.1 Special note: mixing mud acids step 07 Use only clean, fresh water for
containing HF mix water. Do not use seawater to prepare mud
acid.
Warning:
HF is highly corrosive to flesh.
Use extreme care while loading or
handling mud acid.
Step 12 Take a sample of acid and Step 18 Rig down the equipment, taking
measure its SG with a hydrometer to check the care for any unflushed areas in the treating
concentration. lines and equipment.
Step 05 Thoroughly mix to provide uniform • acid transport or storage tank with
distribution of the acid and all additives. concentrated acid
• fresh water supply
Step 06 Just before pumping downhole, • mix tank(s) to hold required volume of
circulate acid tank contents a minimum of two diluted acid mixture (with circulation pump
tank volumes to ensure all additives are evenly and/or paddles). Tanks must be clean and
dispersed in the acid. rust free.
• circulation pump (if not included with mix
Step 07 Pump acid mixture as per design.
tanks)
Monitor tanks, hoses, and connections for
leaks. • transfer pump and suction/discharge hoses
for acid and additives
Step 08 At end of the job, if any acid is left • four-inch Figure 206 suction and discharge
in the tanks, neutralize the mixture. hoses with hose covers
• safety equipment and PPE
Step 09 Dispose of the neutralized acid
according to local procedures. • hydrometer.
Step 05 Add appropriate amounts of step 17 Flush all tanks and treating lines
corrosion inhibitor, inhibitor aid, and other thoroughly with water, disposing of the water
required acidizing additives, such as wetting according to local procedures.
agents, and iron control additives as needed.
Add scale inhibitor additives if needed. step 18 Rig down the equipment, taking
care for any unflushed areas in the treating
Step 06 Mix thoroughly. lines and equipment.
Step 07 Add Y1 and mix until dissolved. 10.7.4 Mixing clay acid
Follow these procedures to mix clay acid.
step 08 Slowly add required quantity of
concentrated HCl acid while continuing to mix.
step 01 Ensure the nine requirements
step 09 Mix thoroughly by paddling or listed in Section 10.1 are met.
circulating. The mixture must be sufficiently
agitated to produce a uniform solution or step 02 Ensure the following equipment is
dispersion of the corrosion inhibitor. present:
Acid spills must be prevented at all costs: To avoid spills, all personnel must
clean-up and remedial work is very
expensive, the environment is damaged, and • perform proactive maintenance on all acid
Schlumberger’s reputation is harmed. handling and storage equipment
• establish and follow acid plant operating
Even small volumes of spills cause damage and
procedures, which must be updated with
extra work. See Figure 11-1 of an acid spill (in
lessons-learned as necessary
South America) when it flows over the ground.
• use all necessary safety equipment, which
must be operable
• know the procedures and regulations in the
country they operate
• have a proactive QHSE attitude.
11.1 Reporting
Spills must be reported to Schlumberger, and
possibly must be reported also to client and
local regulatory authorities, depending on their
reporting requirements. The details and contact
numbers should be included in the site-specific
Figure 11-1. Acid Spill spill response plan and/or emergency response
plan.
Figure 11.2 shows that a little acid can go a
long way. Per OFS Standard 2 (InTouch Content
ID# 3260257) or the Web site http://www.hub.
slb.com/display/index.do?id=id16324), all spills
must be reported in QUEST. Incident severity is
classified by the volume of spill as follows:
A spill prevention and control plan helps protect Personal Avoid contact with eyes. Do not get on
the environment in two ways: precautions skin or clothing. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Ensure adequate ventilation.
See also Section 8.
• It provides the procedures to prevent oil
Methods for Dam up. Neutralize with lime milk or
and chemical spills and waste releases. cleaning up soda and flush with plenty of water.
Flush residual with plenty of water.
• Should a spill or release occur, it describes
Environmental No information available.
the protocols to minimize any harmful precautions
effects, including notification of appropriate
government agencies as required by
regulations.
All personnel involved with the handling of 11.4 Spill kits
acids must be knowledgeable of the location’s Each acid storage and mixing facility must have
spill response control plan and know what their a spill kit. This was described in Section 6.1.7 of
responsibilities are in the event of an incident. this document. Personnel must be trained in the
use of the spill kit.
Some personnel will require special training
in handling spills and also take part in spill
response drills (see Fig. 11-3 showing a drill in Note:
Kazakhstan). When materials from the spill kit
are used, they must be replaced as
soon as possible.
11.5 Disposal
Disposal of acid waste from spills or from empty
and used acid or acid material containers and
drums must also be performed according to
proper procedure.
Note:
Check with your location
manager or QHSE manager for
proper disposal procedures and
regulations at your location.
* * *
112 | Appendix
13.0 Check Your Understanding
1. What is the pH of 28% hydrochloric acid? 4. What is the name of the Web-based
A. 7 program that can be used to determine
acid system load-out requirements?
B. ≥ 12
A. i-District
C. 9 – 10
B. AcidBLEND calculator
D. ≤ 2
C. AcidMIX formulator
E. 5 – 5
D. i-Handbook
E. CemCADE
2. Which three types of safety hat three
types of safety gloves should you wear
when mixing mud acid (12% HCl + 3% 5. What is a TREM card?
HF)? A. trailer repair and equipment
A. cotton maintenance card
B. butyl B. transport emergency card
C. neoprene C. trailer emergency clutch
D. PVC D. transport equipment maintenance
E. leather card
F. nitrile
6. What safety standard should you know
and follow when handling dangerous
3. What four items would you find in an acid goods?
bulk plant?
A. OFS QHSE Standard S008
A. surge tank
B. WS Safety Standard 18
B. Wilden pump
C. OFS QHSE Standard S003
C. water storage tank
D. WS Safety Standard 17
D. spill kit
E. all of the above
E. weigh-batch blender
F. fume scrubber
17. What three fluids can you store in a A concrete slab measuring 12 x 12 meters
rubber-lined storage tank? has been built. How high should the
A. 20% HCl surrounding wall be?
B. water A. 25-in
C. xylene B. 12-in
D. inhibited acid C. 39-in
E. diesel D. 29-in
F. 7.5% HCl E. no wall required