X‐Ray Microtomography for the Analysis of Scale Deposition in Oil Pipelines

ABSTRACT Scale deposition in the oil industry involves the buildup of materials like paraffins, asphaltenes, and salts on pipeline walls, obstructing flow and reducing efficiency. This issue raises operational costs, requires frequent maintenance, and increases pipeline pressure, potentially causing structural failures and environmental disasters. Traditional methods, such as visual inspection, ultrasonography, and optical techniques, face limitations in capturing detailed images of scale, restricting the understanding of deposit formation. This study aims to apply X‐ray Computed Microtomography (microCT) for high‐resolution 3D imaging of scale deposition, providing detailed visualization and volume quantification. It also tests the feasibility of Gamma‐ray Spectrometry and Computed Tomography (CT) techniques for detecting scale in composite pipes. Scale was found on two pipes removed from oil exploration facilities. Images were acquired using a Phoenix V|Tome|x M microtomography system (Waygate Technologies) and processed to generate 3D visualizations, from which the total scale volume was extracted. In the composite pipe, scale was detected using both Tomography and Gamma‐ray Spectrometry analysis. The analyses revealed a total scale volume from the 3D images, highlighting the scale distribution along the pipelines. Furthermore, Gamma‐ray Spectrometry analysis demonstrated that scale could be detected based on the Rayleigh–Compton ratio. These results support the development of prevention and mitigation strategies for oil pipelines. MicroCT offers accurate 3D imaging for scale morphology and quantification, while Gamma‐ray Spectrometry techniques can detect scale without accessing the opposite side of the pipe, addressing angle limitations. These techniques help create effective strategies for preventing and removing scale, ensuring the integrity of oil transportation systems.