US 2011 O1521.

53A1
(19) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0152153 A1
Trahan (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 23, 2011
(54) METHOD AND COMPOSITION TO REMOVE Publication Classification
RON AND IRON SULFIDE COMPOUNDS
FROM PIPELINE NETWORKS (51) Int. Cl.
CLID 7/60 (2006.01)
(76) Inventor: David O. Trahan, Lafayette, LA (52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ S10/188
(US) (57) ABSTRACT
(21) Appl. No.: 12/928,777 The present invention comprises an iron complexing mixture
(22) Filed: Dec. 17, 2010 and method of using same wherein beneficial performance
and natural gas pipeline cleaning methods are employed. The
Related U.S. Application Data synergistic improvement of combining two water-soluble
metal complexing agents, THPS and IDS, prove to offer
(63) Continuation of application No. 12/288,149, filed on advantages in performance over the individual use of either
Oct. 16, 2008, now Pat. No. 7,855,171. chemical.
Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2011 Sheet 1 of 2 US 2011/O152153 A1

C C

NaC) ONa

NaO ONa

N
O O

FIG. 1

CHOH
HOCH,-P
CHOH
F I G. 2
Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2011 Sheet 2 of 2 US 2011/O152153 A1
US 2011/0152153 A1 Jun. 23, 2011

METHOD AND COMPOSITION TO REMOVE 0008. Many different methods for cleaning pipeline net
RON AND RON SULFIDE COMPOUNDS works have developed over time. The cleaning methods used
FROM PIPELINE NETWORKS to decrease and remove the iron and iron Sulfide deposits
include mechanical pigging, batch chemical cleaning, and
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED continuous chemical cleaning. The chemical compounds
APPLICATIONS
used in batch and in continuous cleaning methods includes
0001. This application is a continuation application of chemicals based totally or in part upon: Surfactants, solvents,
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/288,149, filed on Oct. 16, acids, bases, oxidizing agents, chelating agents and combi
2008. nations of these.
0009. Using a strong acid is the simplest way to dissolve
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Such a deposit. But using a strong acid generates large Vol
0002 The present disclosure relates to the use of chemical umes of highly toxic HS gas, which is an undesirable by
compounds to decrease and remove iron compounds, includ product. Using an oxidizing agent may avoid Such toxicity
ing iron Sulfide, from pipeline networks. hazards but produces oxidation products, including elemental
Sulphur which is corrosive to pipes. Another agent for treating
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Such deposits is acrolein, but it also has health, safety and
0003 Iron compounds, including iron sulfide can form environmental problems.
within pipeline networks that transport gas, oil, water and 0010. It has been found that tris (hydroxymethyl) phos
mixtures of gas, oil and water. The iron Sulfide compounds are phine (referred to herein as THP and may be referred to
physically characterized as appearing to be amorphous Solid elsewhere as THP or TRIS) is capable of solubilizing iron and
particles capable of absorbing water and oil. iron sulfide by forming a THPIron Ammonium complex that
0004 Hydrogen sulfide, HS, is a naturally occurring con is water soluble. The water soluble THP Iron Ammonium
taminant of fluids that is encountered in many industries, complex is characteristically ared liquid solution. The THP is
including the oil and gas industry and the paper industry. The believed to be formed from the addition of Tetrakis(hy
corrosive nature of H2S causes the accumulation of particu droxymethyl) phosphonium salts (referred to hereinas THPS
late iron sulfide. Iron sulfide becomes entrained in hydrocar or THP Salts) especially the sulfate salt. THPS is commonly
bons, glycol, salts, and the like to form deposits on the Sur used as a flame retardant for textiles and also is added to oil
faces of conduits such as pipelines. Such deposits present a wells, gas pipelines and water injection systems to reduce the
significant problem because the deposits hinder accurate interference of iron and iron sulfide. THPS is also recognized
determinations of pipeline structural integrity and the pipe as an effective chemical to control the presence of sulfate
lines must be cleaned physically. reducing bacteria (referred to herein as SRB) and is regularly
0005 Given the various chemical and physical conditions Supplied as a biocide. A biocide is a chemical Substance
that go into the forming of iron Sulfide several forms can be capable ofkilling living organisms, usually in a selective way.
found in a given section of pipeline. It is seldom that a single Biocides are commonly used in medicine, agriculture, for
type of iron sulfide exists but more generally it is a mixture of estry, and in where they prevent the fouling of water and oil
iron Sulfide with mackinawite being the most dominant spe pipelines. The presence of SRBs in part causes the presence of
cies present. Other species of iron Sulfide commonly found in
pipeline networks include: marcasite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, troi iron Sulfide compounds in pipeline networks. It has been
lite and magnetite. The chemical formula for iron sulfide is found that the effectiveness of THP salts in the removal of
commonly shown as FeS, which is the chemical formula for iron and iron Sulfide compounds is not always at acceptable
troilite. However depending upon the degree of oxidation and levels. This is believed to be due to the inconsistent compo
exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas, oxygen and other various sition of the iron and iron Sulfide compounds as they exist
physical elements it can include: FeoSs (mackinawite), FeS2 within the pipe networks along with the ability to properly
(Marcasite), FeS (Pyrite), FeS (Pyrrhotite). distribute the THP salts within the pipeline network.
0006. The iron sulfide particles can adhere to the internal 0011 Thus, tris (hydroxymethyl) phosphine (THP) is
Surfaces of pipeline networks and associated process equip capable of solubilizing iron sulfide by forming a bright red
ment. The physical characteristic of the iron sulfide deposits water-soluble complex. THP is formed in oil wells treated
can vary from a viscous, oil coated mass to a dry black powder with tetrakis (hydroxmethyl) phosphonium salts (THPS).
form. The buildup of iron and iron sulfide deposits over time THPS is commonly added to oil wells as a biocide to kill the
can lead to a range of operational problems. The presence of sulfate reducing bacteria. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of
iron and iron Sulfide deposits can lead to increased corrosion THP as a solubilizing agent for iron sulfide varies consider
rates within pipeline networks. It can also lead to interference ably from well to well because the complex with iron sulfide
in the safe operation of pipeline Valving systems, potentially requires the presence of ammonium ions. The concentration
leading to catastrophic system failures. Therefore, the clean of ammonium ions in oil field water is frequently less than the
ing of pipeline networks containing iron and iron Sulfide optimum for iron sulfide removal. THP and THPS have sta
deposits is a common practice within the pipeline industry. bility problems at higher pH values. The use of THP with
0007. In the oil industry, these ferrous deposits are a major ammonia is hindered by the tendency of THP and ammonia to
source of economic loss. The deposits obstruct the flow of oil react together to form an insoluble polymer. The formulation
in wells, in the adjacent strata and in pipelines as well as in of THP and ammonia is only fully stable at a pH below 4, and
processing and refinery plants. Further Such deposits tend to polymerization is rapid at any pH greater than 6, but the
stabilize oil-water emulsions that tend to form during second complex only forms readily at a pH above 5. If the ammonia
ary oil recovery. Generally, the deposits present major prob concentration is high there is a risk of polymer depositing in
lems to oil producers. the formation and obstructing the flow of oil or water. For all
US 2011/0152153 A1 Jun. 23, 2011

the foregoing reasons it is difficult to obtain consistent per 0020. Another feature of the present disclosure is to pro
formance in preventing or removing iron Sulphide Scale using vide a method for removing iron and iron sulfide solids in
THP. either batch or continuous applications.
0012 Phosphines are a class of compounds. Phosphines 0021. A feature of the present disclosure is to provide a
are alkyl or aryl derivatives of phosphine, just as amines can composition and method for forming a water-soluble com
be regarded as derivatives of ammonia. Common examples plex with the iron and iron sulfide solids.
include triphenylphosphine ((CH3)P) and BINAP, both 0022. Another feature of the present disclosure is to pro
used as phosphine ligands in metal complexes such as Wilkin vide a composition and method for removing iron and iron
son's catalyst. Metal phosphine complexes are catalysts for Sulfide Solids using a unique blend of metal complexing
reactions such as the Sonogashira coupling. Most of these agents.
phosphines, with the exception of triphenyl phosphine, are 0023 Yet another feature of the present disclosure is to
made from pressurized, purified phosphine gas. A large provide a composition and method for removing iron and iron
industrial application of phosphine is found in the production sulfide solids using a synergistic mixture of IDS or IDS salts
of tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts, made by and THP or THP Salts.
passing phosphine gas through a solution of formaldehyde 0024 Yet still another feature of the present disclosure is
and a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid. These salts find to provide a composition and method for removing iron and
application as flame retardants for textile (Proban R) regis iron sulfide solids using a synergistic mixture of IDS, THP.
tered trademark of Rhodia UK Limited) and as biocides. water soluble surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, defoamers
0013. In a paper published in the Royal Society of Chem and pH buffering agents.
istry in 2000, entitled: “Selfassembly of a novel water soluble 0025. A feature of the present disclosure is to provide a
iron (II) macrocyclic phosphine complex from tetrakis(hy composition and method for removing iron and iron Sulfide
droxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate and iron (II) ammonium Solids with a non-toxic, metal complexing agent.
Sulfate: single crystal X-ray structure of the complex.” 0026. Another feature of the present disclosure is to pro
authors, John C. Jeffery, Barbara Odell, Nicola Stevens and vide a composition and method for removing iron and iron
Robert Talbot describe the mechanism by which a water sulfide solids to create water-soluble complexes with iron
soluble transition metal complex is formed. This paper was solids within pipeline networks.
accepted for publication on Dec. 6, 1999. In this paper, the 0027. Yet another feature of the present disclosure is to
authors describe a series of reactions that lead to a situation provide a composition and method for removing iron and iron
where THPS aids in the dissolution of iron sulfide in oil fields Sulfide Solids using environmentally friendly chelating
leading to a red coloration of the treated water. The authors agents.
describe how the speciation of the iron sulfide (FeS) system in 0028. Yet still another feature of the present disclosure is
natural environments, such as oil wells, is necessarily com to provide a composition and method for removing iron and
plex. Further, their model reactions allow us to tentatively iron sulfide solids by disrupting the solid matrix of the iron
propose THPS and ammonia (NH) ions self assemble iron and iron Sulfide Solids resulting in a dispersion of Solids into
complexes where the iron originates from iron sulfide formed the liquid phase.
in oil wells owing to Sulfate reducing bacteria or indigenous 0029. Another feature of the present disclosure is to pro
H.S. vide a composition and method for removing iron and iron
0014) A paper presented in 1998 in Mexico City refer sulfide solids by forming soluble complexes of iron that can
enced the use of THPS as an iron-sulfide dissolving agent. be removed in the cleaning process.
“Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS), A 0030. Another feature of the present disclosure is to pro
New Oilfield Bactericide Providing Iron Sulfide Dissolution vide a composition and method for removing iron and iron
and Environmental Benefits.” was presented by T. Haack, R. Sulfide Solids by Synergistically combining iron complexing
Diaz and R. E. Talbot, at Exitep 98, Mexico City, 15-16 Nov. agents.
1998. In this paper, the authors noted in actual field conditions 0031 Additional features and advantages of the invention
the use of THPS as a bactericide in pipelines also demon will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and
strated the reduction in iron sulfide deposits. Therefore, it has in part will become apparent from the description, or may be
been well established by those skilled in the art that THPS learned by practice of the invention. The features and advan
with ammonium salts is effective at dissolving iron Sulfide tages of the invention may be realized by means of the com
deposits. binations and steps particularly pointed out in the appended
0015. A feature of the present disclosure is to provide a claims.
composition for removing iron and iron Sulfide Solids from
within pipeline networks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0016. Another feature of the present disclosure is to pro 0032 To achieve the foregoing objects, features, and
vide a composition that forms a water-soluble complex with advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the inven
the iron and iron sulfide solids. tion as embodied and broadly described herein, a composition
0017. Another feature of the present disclosure is to pro and method to decrease or remove iron compounds, including
vide a composition for removing iron and iron Sulfide Solids iron sulfide, from pipeline networks is provided.
in either batch or continuous applications. 0033. The present invention provides a much-improved
0018. A feature of the present disclosure is to provide a chemical composition over current chemical technologies
method for removing iron and iron sulfide solids from within capable of removing iron and iron sulfide solids from within
pipeline networks. pipeline networks by forming a water-soluble complex with
0019. Another feature of the present disclosure is to pro the iron and iron sulfide solids. The chemical composition of
vide a method that forms a water-soluble complex with the this invention is capable of removing iron and iron Sulfide
iron and iron sulfide solids. Solids in either batch or continuous applications.
US 2011/0152153 A1 Jun. 23, 2011

0034. This method involves adding to the pipeline net compounds within pipeline networks when used continu
work in a batch or continuous manner a mixture of chemical ously or in batch application methods.
compounds combined into a single liquid product compris 0045. The iron deposit and iron sulfide cleaning product
ing: (1)iminodisuccinic acid (“IDS''); (2) tetrakis(hydroxym functions by a complex mechanism to dissolve iron. The
ethyl) phosphonium sulfate (“TRPS); (3) a surface tension product of this invention contains a unique blend of metal
reducing water soluble Surfactant; (4) a water-soluble corro complexing agents along with other functional additives to
sion inhibitor; (5) a defoamer; (6) a water soluble ammonium improve the performance. Preferably the chemical mixture
salt; and (7) a pH buffering chemical. The present invention incorporates a non-toxic, metal complexing agent to create
comprises of a pipeline cleaning compound which is capable water-soluble complexes with iron solids within pipeline net
of removing iron and iron Sulfide Solids from pipeline net works. Once complexed into water-soluble complexes, the
works. iron and iron sulfide solids are removed from the pipeline
0035. While pipeline-cleaning products, based upon network along with water. The iron complexing chemical
THPS in whole or in combination with other metal chelating may be selected from, but it not limited to, a group of iron
chemical products, have been used in the pipeline industry in chelating compounds including polyaspartates; hydroxyami
the past, their use in combination with Iminodisuccinic acid nocarboxylic acid (HACA); hydroxyethyliminodiacetic
has not been appreciated by those skilled in the art. Further the (HEIDA); iminodisuccinic acid (IDS): ethylene diaminetet
use of a sodium, potassium or amine salt of Iminodisuccinic racetic acid (EDTA); diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid
acid in combination with THPS has not been appreciated by (DTPA): nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)
those skilled in the art. phosphonium sulfate (THPS); and other carboxylic acids and
0036 Additional advantages and modification will readily their salt forms, phosphonates, acrylates, and acrylamides,
occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader and mixtures thereof.
aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, repre 0046. The present invention provides for an iron and iron
sentative apparatus, and the illustrative examples shown and Sulfide complexing chemical that comprises a blend of two or
described herein. Accordingly, the departures may be made more iron complexing agents. The preferred iron and iron
from the details without departing from the spirit or scope of complexing agents consisting of iminodisuccinic acid (IDS)
the disclosed general inventive concept. and salts of IDS, and tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium
sulfate (THPS). Both IDS (and IDS salts) and THPS singu
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS larly have the ability to complex iron compounds to varying
levels. However, when synergistically combined at various
0037. The accompanying drawings which are incorpo proportions with each other, the overall effectiveness of the
rated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate iron Solubilization capacity is increased many times over the
preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the individual capacity of IDS or THPS. It has been observed that
general description of the invention given above and the the two preferred iron and iron complexing agents have a
detailed description of the preferred embodiment given synergistic effect whereby each improves the ability of the
below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. other to increase the ability to complex and form water
0038 FIG. 1 shows the chemical structure of N-(1.2dicar soluble complexes of iron and iron sulfide solids. Both IDS
boxyethyl)-tetrasodium salt. and THPS represent environmentally friendly chelating
0039 FIG. 2 shows the chemical structure of THP, tris agents.
(hydroxymethyl) phosphine. 0047. It has been observed that the overall performance of
0040 FIG. 3 shows the chemical structure of THPS; tet the iron complexing agents individually and when combined
rakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium Sulfate. together at various ratios improve at alkaline pH values. The
0041. The above general description and the following pH of the mixture can be adjusted into the alkaline range
detailed description are merely illustrative of the generic using ammonium hydroxide, ammonium chloride, ammo
invention, and additional modes, advantages, and particulars nium citrate, ammonium lactate, ammonium acetate, potas
of this invention will be readily suggested to those skilled in sium citrate, potassium hydroxide, potassium formate,
the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the Sodium hydroxide, Sodium acetate, or sodium formate. In the
invention. alkaline range many metal ions form hydro-complexes that
influence the concentration of metal ions. As a result, the
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED conditional complexing constants have a more or less pro
EMBODIMENTS nounced maximum, which depends on the pH. Metal ions
other than iron can form soluble complexes and be removed in
0042. Reference will now be made in detail to the present the cleaning process. This aids in the overall disruption of a
preferred embodiments of the invention as described in the Solid matrix resulting in a dispersion of solids into the liquid
accompanying drawings. phase of the pipeline network. The presence of a surfactant
0043. As identified above, there exists a long-standing aids in the dispersion and avoids deposits from reforming at
problem of removing iron and iron Sulfide Solids from pipe downstream points within the pipeline network.
line networks. As discussed above, there have been many 0048. The iminodisuccinic acid (IDS) readily acts as a
efforts and trials to solve the problem of removing iron or iron pentadentate N.O donor ligand in its coordination to metal
Sulfide Solids from pipeline networks resulting in failures or, ions. The location of the five donor atoms in the molecule is
at best, limited Success. such that the formation of mono complexes is likely to prevail
0044) The present invention provides the use of a syner in the solutions. The preferred embodiment iminodisuccinic
gistic mixture of IDS and THP or THPsalts along with water acid (IDS), commercially supplied as Baypure CX100 is
soluble surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, defoamers and pH produced from maleic anhydride, water, caustic Soda and
buffering agents to reduce and remove iron and iron Sulfide ammonia, and has the chemical formula: CHNOsNa.
US 2011/0152153 A1 Jun. 23, 2011

0049. The improved effectiveness of dissolving iron sul mum blend that provided fast reaction time, higher concen
fide by combining IDS with THPS was determined by visu trations of dissolved iron and economical when compared
ally observing a much darker red coloration within test bottles with other treatment products designed to accomplish the
containing iron sulfide plus THPS alone and iron sulfide plus same task. It was found that the following represents a pre
a blend of IDS and THPS. Along with the observation of a ferred blend for a commercial product:
rapid red coloration analytical tests determined that iron Sul
fide samples exposed to the combination of IDS and THPS.
The following table was created by mixing 1 gram (accurately
weighed) of a lab grade supply of iron sulfide into 100 grams Formula 1
of water containing the reported concentrations of THPS, Ingredient Percentage by Weight (wgt%)
IDS, Potassium hydroxide (45% aq), Ammonium chloride,
C-Pro 231. The samples were stirred for 1 minute so as to Water 75.4
fully incorporate the iron sulfide powder into the liquid, and Scale Inhibitor
IDS (34% aqueous)
1.O
7.0
then were allowed to rest at room temperature for 24 hours. THPS (70% aqueous) 3.0
The samples were then filtered to draw a representative vol Surfactant 3.0
ume and dissolved iron values were measured using an induc Ammonium chloride O.1
tively coupled plasma arc spectrophotometer (ICP).

Potassium
hydroxide C-Pro 231
45% Ammonium Corrosion IDS 34% Dissolved
Water THPS acqueous chloride Inhibitor aqueous Iron
Exp. Set Wigt 9% Wgt% Wgt% Wgt% Wgt% Wgt% ppm

1 93.6 3.5 1.4 O.1 1 O 843

2 88.5 7 1.4 O.1 1 O 821
3 78.5 14 1.4 O.1 1 O 978
4 68.5 21 1.4 O.1 1 O 1231
5 93.6 3.5 1.4 O.1 1 11 758
6 88.5 7 1.4 O.1 1 22 1461
7 78.5 14 1.4 O.1 1 44 1482
8 68.5 21 1.4 O.1 1 65 1836
9 93.6 3.5 1.4 O.1 1 5 1593
10 88.5 7 1.4 O.1 1 10 16O1
11 78.5 14 1.4 O.1 1 2O 1804
12 68.5 31 1.4 O.1 1 30 1760

0050. In the table above, tests show a dramatic increase in

the dissolved iron in the water when both THPS and IDS are -continued
used in combination. Comparing Exp. Set. No. 2 (THPS Formula 1
without IDS) versus Exp. Set. No. 10 (THPS plus IDS) the
addition of IDS resulted in a 95% increase in the amount of Ingredient Percentage by Weight (wgt%)
dissolved iron. The ratio of THPS to IDS in this example is 1 C-Pro 231 O.1
part THPS to 1.428 parts IDS. The table above shows an Propylene glycol 12.O
increase in the dissolved iron at ratios as high as 1 part THPS Sodium hydroxide (50% aqueous) O.3
to 3.142 parts IDS. The trend of this increase indicates that the Green Dye O.3
ratio range from 0.5 part THPS to 1 part THPS mixed with 1
part IDS to 5 parts IDS to increase the solubility of iron in In Formula 1, the Sodium hydroxide is adjusted so as to create
water greater than the use of THPS alone. a pH in the mixture of between 6.0 to 7.0, so the amount listed
0051 Field observations of the effect of mixtures that in Formula 1 is an average point of addition. If more or less is
combine THPS and IDS indicate that the mixture of THPS required the Volume of water is adjusted so as to maintain
and IDS create an immediate red coloration of the water concentrations of other ingredients. The following ingredi
indicating the immediate increase in iron. So in addition to ents are added as functional additives to improve the effec
increasing the concentration of iron in the water when mix tiveness of the THPS/IDS mixture. The scale inhibitor is
tures of THPS and IDS are used, the speed in the reaction is selected from a group of scale inhibitors which includes
greatly increased. THPS alone in the water requires several acrylic polymers, co-polymers and terpolymers, phospho
hours, and in some field samples days of exposure to display nates, phosphinocarboxyates, and phosphate esters. The pre
a slight red coloration in the water. When the same sample of ferred scale inhibitor in this formulation is Biolab Bellasol
iron Sulfide is exposed to the same concentration of a mixture S-60, described as an aqueous Solution of polycarboxylic
of THPS and IDS the red coloration appears in less than one acids. The Surfactant is selected from a group of ethoxylated
minute. This confirms the speed of reaction improvement. alcohols, nonyl phenol ethoxylates, dioctyl esters of Sulfos
0052 While several experimental blends combining uccinates. The preferred surfactant in the Formula 1 is Har
THPS and IDS along with other functional additives to cros T-Det A267 NR, described as a C10-C16 ethoxylated
enhance the application, the following proved to be an opti alcohol. C-Pro 231 is a proprietary blend of carboxylic acids
US 2011/0152153 A1 Jun. 23, 2011

salted with an amine creating a corrosion inhibitor. Other will direct the application Volume and method. Continuous,
water soluble inhibitors that can be used include: imidazo intermittent or batch may be used separately or in concert
lines, alkyl pyridine quats, thioamines, phosphate esters. with each other to effect an adequate cleaning of the pipeline
0053. The methods of applying the composition of this network.
invention are broadly applicable to pipe systems, vessels, 0056 Although the present invention has been described
filters, filter separators, gas meter equipment that are con and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments and a
taminated with or measure the presence of iron Sulfide depos preferred use thereof, it is not to be so limited since modifi
its. The pipe systems include vessels that carry water, gas, or cations and changes can be made therein which are within the
other fluids. The natural gas pipe systems may contain dry full scope of the invention.
gas, as defined by the oil and gas industry as containing less 0057 Additional advantages and modification will readily
than 7 pounds of water per 1 million standard cubic feet of occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader
natural gas, or contain moisture at Volumes above dry gas aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, repre
standard. The natural gas pipe systems may contain gas con sentative apparatus, and the illustrative examples shown and
densate, oil or other finished petroleum products. A particular described herein. Accordingly, the departures may be made
advantage of the invention is that it provides a quick dissolu from the details without departing from the spirit or scope of
tion of iron sulfide deposits which are dissolved in a water the disclosed general inventive concept.
phase that is heavier than oil fraction and easily separated in
downstream separation equipment. Removing the iron Sulfide What is claimed is:
from natural gas pipelines upstream of gas filter separators 1. A composition for cleaning pipelines transporting natu
will decrease the filter change interval, reducing the cost of ral gas to remove deposits of iron Sulfide by forming water
operations and the Volume of waste the pipeline operator is soluble iron complexes with the iron fraction of the iron
required to properly dispose. Sulfide, the composition comprising at least
0054 The composition of this invention can be introduced (a) tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate, and
into natural gas pipeline systems by any means, or combina (b) iminodissucinnic acid sodium salt.
tion of means, necessary to bring the compositions into direct 2. The composition defined in claim3 wherein the tetrakis
contact with iron Sulfide deposits. The compositions can be (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate comprises 3% to 20%
introduced by continuous or intermittent injection, and by (wgt%) of tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate.
periodic batch Volume injection. The use of continuous injec 3. The composition defined in claim 3 wherein the imino
tion or intermittent injection is more acceptable for online dissucinnic acid sodium salt comprises 3% to 30% (wgt%) of
cleaning applications. In online cleaning applications the iminodissucinnic acid sodium salt.
flow of natural gas in the pipeline is not interrupted in any 4. The composition defined in claim 3 further comprising
way, allowing for normal gas delivery operations to occur Water.
while simultaneously cleaning iron Sulfide deposits. Alterna
tively, a batch injection of the compositions can be used 5. The composition defined in claim 6 wherein the water
where iron Sulfide deposits are removed using pipeline pig comprises 95% to 35% water.
ging methods. Batch injection of composition is effective 6. The composition defined in claim 3 further comprising a
when a Volume of the composition is injected ahead of and in soluble ammonium salt.
conjunction with pipeline pigging operations. The Volume of 7. The composition defined in claim 8 wherein the soluble
iron complexing compositions is dependent upon the size and ammonium salt comprises 0.1% to 5% (wgt%) of a soluble
length of the pipeline along with consideration for the Sus ammonium salt.
pected volume of iron sulfide present within the section to be 8. The composition defined in claim 3 further comprising
treated. In batch pigging operations the natural gas pipeline is Sodium hydroxide.
taken offline. 9. The composition defined in claim 10 wherein the water
0055 While any amount of composition of this invention comprises 0.1% to 3% (wgt%) of sodium hydroxide.
applied into a natural gas pipeline or associated vessels will c c c c c
create iron dissolution effects, the actual pipeline condition