Apparatus and method for measuring concentrations of scale-forming ions
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for determining the concentration of scale-forming ions;
- the apparatus comprising;
a ligand which binds scaling ions in a sample of fluid, said ligand having an electronic configuration which is altered on binding of a scaling ion, wherein the ligand is a BAPTA derivative and said ligand is configured to be placed in the vicinity of a flow of said fluid; and
a detector for determining alterations in said electronic configuration, the amount of said alterations being indicative of the concentration of the scaling ion in the sample.
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Abstract
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determination of ion concentrations, particularly in downhole water from hydrocarbon wells, aquifers etc. It is useful in a wide range of applications, including predicting the formation of scale and fingerprinting waters from different sources. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of ligands whose electronic configuration is altered by the binding of the scaling ions within a water sample. These alterations are detected, for example by electrochemical means, and are indicative of the concentration of scaling ions in the sample.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. An apparatus for determining the concentration of scale-forming ions;
- the apparatus comprising;
a ligand which binds scaling ions in a sample of fluid, said ligand having an electronic configuration which is altered on binding of a scaling ion, wherein the ligand is a BAPTA derivative and said ligand is configured to be placed in the vicinity of a flow of said fluid; and a detector for determining alterations in said electronic configuration, the amount of said alterations being indicative of the concentration of the scaling ion in the sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
- the apparatus comprising;
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17. A method of monitoring the concentrations of scaling ions comprising:
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contacting a fluid flow with a ligand which selectively binds scaling ions, wherein the binding of scaling ions in said sample to the ligand alters the electronic configuration of the ligand, wherein the ligand is a BAPTA derivative; measuring changes in the electroactivity of the ligand with one or more electrodes; and
determining the concentration of said scaling ion from said changes in said electroactivity of said ligand. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification