Hydrodynamic Effects on Inorganic Scale Deposition at Orifice Plate Restrictions

Inorganic scale deposition poses significant operational challenges in pipeline systems by obstructing flow and degrading equipment performance. In the oil and gas industry, equipment such as Inflow and Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (ICD and AICDs), essential for flow regulation, are particularly prone to scaling. Although traditionally viewed as a chemically driven issue, this work investigates the influence of hydrodynamic flow (velocity, recirculation zones, and turbulent kinetic energy-TKE) on scale formation in orifice plates. Experiments were conducted in a 26 m loop under chemical conditions favoring CaCO3 precipitation. Mass deposition and flow properties measurements were assessed along the pipe. The flow dynamic characterization in unscaled and scaled orifices was performed using Particle Image Velocimetry. Results show that deposition rates increase significantly at and downstream of the orifice. The increased scaling areas were strongly associated with high TKE and extended recirculation regions. Moreover, quadrant analysis showed dominant sweep and ejection events, which may drive the inelastic collisions of nucleating particles with the wall, enhancing deposition. The integration of flow visualization with scaling measurements demonstrates that local hydrodynamic features play a critical role in scaling and suggests that turbulence structure must be considered in scale prediction and mitigation models.