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.
In the oil and gas industry, sodium chlorite and chlorine dioxide are particularly valued for their effectiveness in water treatment processes and microbial control.
Injection and Process Water: Water used in processes such as injection for enhanced oil recovery and other operational processes needs to be free of microorganisms to prevent fouling and corrosion. Sodium chlorite and chlorine dioxide are used to treat this water effectively, ensuring that it does not introduce new microbial contaminants into the system. The use of biocides like chlorine dioxide helps maintain the quality of the reservoir and prevent souring, which can reduce the quality of crude oil.
Fracking Operations: In hydraulic fracturing, large volumes of water mixed with various chemicals are injected into shale formations to release oil or gas. Sodium chlorite and chlorine dioxide can be used to treat this water to prevent microbial growth that might clog the fractures or corrode the equipment.
Produced Water Treatment: Produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas production, contains various organic and inorganic contaminants, including microorganisms. Treating this water with effective biocides like chlorine dioxide before disposal or reuse is crucial for environmental protection and operational safety.
Oxidation of Contaminants: Chlorine dioxide is a strong oxidant and can be used to break down pollutants and organic compounds in wastewater from oil and gas operations. This treatment helps in meeting environmental regulations concerning the discharge of treated wastewater.
