Gas hydrates, ice-like gas and water clathrate structures, cause substantial operational safety problems by blocking pipelines, valves, etc. in gas transmission, gas processing, and deep water Mling systems. Traditionally, prevention of gas hydrate formation has been accomplished thermodynamically through the use of very large quantities of alcohols,

A potential mechanism for part of the production decline observed in the Prudhoe Bay field is siderite (iron carbonate) scale deposition. This laboratory investigation focused on evaluating the effect of the existing downhole scale inhibitor program on the proposed siderite formation damage mechanism. A tube block test was employed to generate iron carbonate and evaluate commercial products for its inhibition. This study indicates that the current inhibition program for barium sulfate and calcium carbonate is not protecting against damage by iron carbonate deposition. The other products tested were also ineffective. Furthermore, precipitation of the scale inhibitors by iron(lI) is suspected. There is no field evidence of damage from this precipitation with the current inhibition program.