Organics Fouling and Associated Corrosion in Field SAGD Boilers

Abstract For oil sands reservoirs in Canada, Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) has been widely used for in-situ bitumen production. Boiler feed water (BFW) is utilized for steam generation in Once Through Steam Generator (OTSG). As the main source of BFW (~85%), produced water (PW) separated from produced emulsion is treated to lower the content of silicates, oil and grease, and clays, and is softened by anionic cation resin. However, it is hard to remove the colloidal/dissolved organic compounds, which causes fouling and corrosion issues in the boilers and boiler external piping. Unlike the comprehensive understanding of damage related to inorganic fouling, investigation and reporting of damage of SAGD boilers due to organics is limited. This paper discusses how the organic fouling occurs, evidence of organics corrosion and damage mechanisms from case studies and how to mitigate the damage through improving water treatment.