Soda Ash - Sodium Carbonate

Soda Ash

Soda Ash for Oilfield

Soda Ash is the common name for Sodium Carbonate; its chemical formula is Na2CO3 and has a 99.7% purity chemical compound.

Soda Ash and is used to treat most types of calcium ion contamination in freshwater and seawater muds. Calcium is present in many kinds of water formations. It can cause flocculation of the mud, resulting in increased rheology, gel strengths, and fluid loss. High-filtrate calcium causes precipitation of calcium-sensitive additives, such as POLY-PLUS high-molecular-weight liquid clay inhibitors and RING FREE polymeric thinners, which are the most sensitive. Cellulosic polymers are only slightly calcium-sensitive and tolerate moderate levels of filtrate calcium.

Provided the saturation level of the calcium salt has not been exceeded, the amount of Soda Ash required to treat out the calcium can be approximated by:

350 mg/L of Calcium ions requires 1.0 kg/m³ of Soda Ash

Over-treatment with Soda Ash can result in carbonate alkalinity and consequent excessive gel strengths and problems due to increased fluid loss.

A soda-ash treatment is appropriate for gypsum contamination because caustic Soda, NaOH, is not needed to raise pH. It is also generally the case with hard water influxes into water muds. Incidentally, for cement contamination, sodium bicarbonate is a better alternative.

For liquid scrubbing of SO2 in flue gases produced from crude-oil-fired steam generators used in thermally enhanced oil recovery, Caustic Soda is more efficient as it allows the SO2 scrubber to run at a lower pH with a higher SO2 removal capacity.

Preparation & Procedures

Soda Ash should be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid contact with strong acids in confined areas. Avoid inhalation of dust or contact with the eyes. If contact is made, rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary. Those working with Soda Ash should wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including dust masks and eye protection.

Soda Ash can be added directly through the mud-mixing hopper.