Sodium chlorite acts as a precursor to generate chlorine dioxide (ClO2), which is the active agent. Chlorine dioxide has strong oxidative properties, which make it effective in a variety of applications including water treatment, biocide applications, enhanced oil recovery, equipment and facility maintenance.
In the oil and gas industry, the roles of sodium chlorite and chlorine dioxide are critical for ensuring the efficiency and longevity of operations, particularly in water-intensive processes like hydraulic fracturing. Sodium chlorite is a stable solid, making it safer and easier to handle and store compared to concentrated ClO2 solutions.
Sodium chlorite is sometimes used for sulphide destruction in oil and gas operations. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a common and hazardous gas that can be present in oil and gas reservoirs. It is corrosive and can pose safety risks to personnel.
When sodium chlorite is introduced into the system, it reacts with H2S to produce sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) and water (H2O). This chemical reaction helps to eliminate or reduce the levels of H2S in the oil and gas streams, thus mitigating the associated risks.
The effectiveness of sodium chlorite for sulphide destruction depends on various factors, including the concentration of H2S, the pH of the system, and the contact time between sodium chlorite and H2S. Proper dosing and monitoring are necessary to ensure effective sulphide removal without causing any adverse effects on the system or the environment.
