Functionalized magnetic bentonite-iron oxide nanocomposite and its application to decrease scale formation in tubing of oil/gas production

Abstract This study reports the development of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) functionalized magnetic bentonite (AMB) nanocomposite by microwave assisted route to adsorb and decrease Ba(II) and Sr(II) ions, which are responsible for scale formation in the tubing of gas and oil production. Phases, function groups, morphology and magnetic properties was investigated for the prepared samples as well as porosity and surface area. Adsorption results obtained at different temperatures shows that the adsorption process of the prepared AMB is exothermic and follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Kinetics of the adsorption processes at AMB surface was investigated. The process was found to follow the pseudo-second order kinetic model. pH of the system has a great influence on the adsorption of both ions. At pH 9, maximum adsorption was achieved, 124.8 mg/g and 120.0 mg/g for strontium and barium ions, respectively. While it was 107.7 mg/g and 86.7 mg/g for strontium and barium, respectively, at pH 7 similar to produced water pH. AMB showed good removal efficiency that reached 41% and 76.2% for Ba(II) and Sr(II), respectively. Based on the experimental results, AMB is a good natural low-cost material that can be used to decrease scale formation in tubing of oil/gas production.