Feasibility study of laser technology for inducing complexation reactions of scale in oil production

This paper is focused on the investigation of the use of laser-induced techniques to enhance the dissolution of BaSO4, SrSO4, and their mixtures in alkaline diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid solution. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used. A comparison between a conventional heating plate and laser-induced heating was conducted, as well as in static and dynamic solutions. The test duration was 4 hr, with aliquots sampled at hourly intervals, and the kinetic dissolution was monitored by Sr/Ba solution determination. Laser irradiation enhanced the solubility of individual salts by 15%, mainly due to thermal effects. In mixed systems, the common ion effect was observed, where increased SrSO4 solubilization reduced BaSO4 dissolution under laser exposure. Despite the presence of salts and chelating agents reducing laser energy absorption by ∼30%, the resulting temperature increase of 8 °C further enhanced dissolution rates. Although the 1,064 nm laser wavelength could heat water, it was not ideal for maximizing interaction with the solvent. Future efforts should prioritize lasers with wavelengths that better interact with water and possess sufficient power, allowing integration into scale removal tools and enhancing treatment efficiency via sustained solvent heating, mainly in deepwater offshore environments where low temperatures limit chemical treatment efficiency.