Jet 10 Acid Storage Mixing Procedures PDF

JET Manual 10
Acid Storage, Handling,

Transportation, and
Mixing
Version 1.0
JET Manual 10 Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation,
and Mixing
InTouch Content ID#: 4221679
Version: 1.0
Release Date: January 31, 2007
Owner: Well Services Training and Development, IPC
Schlumberger private
Document Control
Revision History
Rev Effective Date Description Prepared by
Copyright © 2007 Schlumberger, Unpublished Work. All Rights Reserved.

This work contains the confidential and proprietary trade secrets of Schlumberger and may not
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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction 7
1.1 Learning objectives 8
1.2 Safety warning 8
2.0 Acid Properties and Hazards 9
2.1 Definition of an acid 9
2.2 Applications 9
2.3 Acid properties 9
2.3.1 HCl acid strength 9
2.3.2 pH scale 10
3.0 Use of Acids in the Oilfield 13
3.1 Current oilfield acid applications 13
3.2 Historical background 13
3.3 Acid system selection 14
3.4 Description of acids used in the oilfield 15
3.4.1 Hydrochloric acid (HCl) 15
3.4.2 Hydrofluoric acid (HF) 15
3.4.3 Mud acid 17
3.4.4 Clay acid 17
3.4.5 Acetic acid 17
3.4.6 Formic acid (L036) 17
3.4.7 Other acid systems 17
3.5 Acid additives 17
3.5.1 Inhibitors and inhibitor aids 18
3.5.2 Surfactants 18
3.5.3 Foaming agents 18
3.5.4 Mutual solvents 19
3.5.5 Antisludge agents 19
3.5.6 Nonemulsifying agents 19
3.5.7 Iron-control agents 19
3.5.8 Specialty additives 19
4.0 Safety Considerations 21
4.1 Safety standards 21
4.2 Responsibilities 21
JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | iii

4.3 PPE 22
4.3.1 Eye and face protection: 22
4.3.2 Hand protection 22
4.3.3 Skin and body protection 22
4.3.4 Respiratory protection 23
4.3.5 Treating HF acid exposure 24
4.4 Hazard communication documents 24
4.4.1 Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) 24
4.4.2 Chemical labels 25
4.4.3 Dangerous goods warning 25
4.5 Transportation 29
4.5.1 Hazardous materials transportation placards 29
4.5.2 EU TREM cards 29
5.0 Acid Supply 31
5.1 Acid supply packaging 31
5.2 Material specifications 32
5.3 Procedure to receive acid at the district 32
5.4 Inventory control 33
6.0 Acid Storage 35
6.1 Safety equipment 48
6.1.1 Acid bulk plant area 48
6.1.2 Lining for acid storage area 48
6.1.3 Loading slab 49
6.1.4 Signage 49
6.1.5 Chemical storage 49
6.1.6 Safety shower and eye wash stations 50
6.1.7 Spill kit 51
6.1.8 Oxidizer storage and transport 52
6.1.9 Fire extinguisher 52
6.2 Acid storage tanks 52
6.2.1 Polyethylene tanks 52
6.2.2 Steel tanks with lining 53
6.2.3 Tank linings and coatings 53
6.2.4 Pipe work and valves 55
6.3 Fume scrubber 55
6.3.1 Absorber 56
6.4 Water storage 57
6.5 Acid mix/transfer tank 57
iv | Table of Contents

6.6 Liquid additive system 58
6.7 Dry additive system 58
6.8 Pipe work, valves, and fittings 59
6.9 Acid transfer 59
6.9.1 Pressure transfer 59
6.9.2 Transfer pumps 59
6.9.3 Standalone centrifugal pumps 63
6.10 Liquid additive pumps 64
6.11 Transfer hoses and connections 64
7.0 Acid Transport Equipment 67
7.1 Mobile acid transporter 67
7.2 Acid transport tanks 69
7.2.1 SSS-111/SSS-121 acid transport tank 69
7.2.2 Containerized transport tanks 70
7.2.3 Safety devices on transport tanks 70
8.0 Acid Tank and Transport Equipment Maintenance 73
8.1 Tank maintenance 73
8.1.1 External vessel 74
8.1.2 Pipe work and acid hose fittings 74
8.1.3 Instrumentation 75
8.1.4 Tests and inspections 75
8.1.5 Tank linings and interior 75
8.1.6 Crash frame, skid, and lift points 76
8.2 Trailer and tractor 76
8.3 Additional testing and inspection 77
8.4 Acid plant housekeeping and maintenance 78
9.0 Acid Mixing Procedures and Calculations 81
9.1 HCl-specific calculations 81
9.2 Acetic acid 82
9.3 Mud acid (HF + HCl) 82
9.4 Clay acid 83
9.5 Other acids 83
9.6 AcidMIX Formulator 83
10.0 Operating Procedures 87
10.1 Nine requirements 87
10.2 Transferring acid from supply transporter to bulk plant 88
10.3 Loading transporter or tank with concentrated acid from bulk plant 90
10.4 Preparing acid mixtures for transport 92
JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing |

10.4.1 Special note: mixing mud acids containing HF 95
10.5 Transporting acid to job site 96
10.5.1 Equipment condition 96
10.5.2 Journey management 96
10.5.3 Driver competency 96
10.5.4 Arrival at location 97
10.6 Transferring acid to or from a vessel or offshore rig 98
10.7 Field mixing of acids 98
10.7.1 Mixing HCl onsite 99
10.7.2 Mixing acetic acid 100
10.7.3 Mixing HF with Y1 101
10.7.4 Mixing clay acid 102
10.7.5 Mixing SXE acid systems 103
10.7.6 Mixing other acid systems 105
11.0 Acid Spills and Disposal 107
11.1 Reporting 107
11.2 Spill prevention and control plan 108
11.3 MSDSs 108
11.4 Spill kits 108
11.5 Disposal 108
12.0 Appendix 111
13.0 Check Your Understanding 113
vi | Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction
This JET manual introduces the storage, • The correct personal protective equipment
handling, mixing, and transportation of the (PPE) should be available and worn at
acids used by Schlumberger Well Services in all times by those handling acid and acid
matrix and acid-fracturing treatments and other materials.
acid-pumping services provided to clients.
• All personnel must be up-to-date on the
required safety training and certification in
This manual discusses how acid mixing and
standards and procedures.
storage systems work, describes the major
components used, reviews their proper • Review all material safety data sheets
operation, and addresses important safety and (MSDSs) for all materials before handling.
maintenance issues. • A risk assessment should be performed
before any operation.
Note: • All equipment associated with the handling,
Hydrochloric acid is by far storage, transport, transfer, mixing, and
the most common acid used pumping of any acid or acid materials must
by Schlumberger, and unless be well maintained and in good operating
otherwise stated, will be the acid condition. The Standard Equipment
of reference throughout the JET Maintenance (STEM) program must be well
manual. documented and followed.
• Document all procedures for the operation
of any equipment and processes
Other acids used are hydrofluoric acid (HF), relating to the storage, handling, mixing,
acetic acid, or mixtures of acids. transportation, and pumping of acids. All
personnel must be competent.
Because Schlumberger has locations all over
the world, acid storage tanks and related
equipment, transfer pumps, and transport Note:
tankers are procured from a variety of sources. The EO has a significant impact
For this reason, operating and maintenance on the profitability of the operation
procedures are different depending on the through the application of best
location. practices related to the storage,
handling, and transportation of
However, some basic facts do not change. It is acids.
important for the equipment operator (EO) to
understand the following:
• Acid and acid materials are hazardous

products and should be handled with
extreme caution.

1.1 Learning objectives
Upon completion of this manual, you will be
able to
• describe the safe working practices

required when working with acids
• explain the principles of acid storage
• identify the various types of bulk storage
tanks, transfer pumps, fume scrubbers and
transport tanks.
• describe the operational guidelines
for district acid plants and acid plant
equipment on location
• describe maintenance and procedures for
acid storage and transport tanks.
1.2 Safety warning

Proper supervision is required during
hands-on training. Request assistance from
your supervisor if you are unfamiliar with or
uncomfortable with the proper operation of any
equipment or chemical.
All personnel involved with the operation

of acid equipment and transfer units must
understand the dangers involved when dealing
with the materials and equipment, along with
all applicable Well Services (WS) and Oilfield
Services (OFS) safety standards. Follow proper
procedures before working with equipment,
acids, and acid additives (e.g., job safety
analyses (JSAs) and Hazards Assessment and
Risk Controls (HARCs).
| Introduction
2.0 Acid Properties and Hazards
This section describes the properties and 2.2 Applications

dangers of acids.
The wide range of properties of acids makes
them very useful in many different industrial
2.1 Definition of an acid applications. Acids are used in the steel
processing, water treatment, paper, leather,
An acid is any chemical compound that, when brewing, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, chemical
dissolved in water, contributes hydrogen ions manufacturing (production of inorganic salts,
(H+) to a solution, resulting in a pH of less than pesticides, catalysts, and plastics), metal
seven. extraction and producing, and food-producing
industries.
For example: HCl in water ionizes to hydrogen
and chloride ions: The demand for acids is increasing worldwide.
In the USA in 1999 the demand for hydrochloric
HCl = > H+ + Cl–
acid (also known as muriatic acid) exceeded
6,500,000 metric tons. One percent of this
Hence an aqueous solution of HCl is acidic.
demand was for use in oil well stimulation.
Schlumberger spends approximately $18 million
The word acid comes from the Latin acidus
per year globally on 33 to 36% HCl, obtained
meaning sour. Acids have the following
from about 80 suppliers around the world.
chemical and physical properties:
In the oilfield, hydrochloric acid (HCL), organic
• taste: Acids generally are sour when
acids (e.g. acetic, formic, and citric acid) and
dissolved in water.
hydrofluoric acids are used for a variety of
• touch: Acids produce a stinging feeling, purposes. Their properties, reactivity, and
particularly strong acids. reactions with various compounds is controlled
• reactivity: Acids react with metals, oxides, with additives.
hydroxides, or carbonates to form salts and
other products. 2.3 Acid properties
• electrical conductivity: Acids are Acid has specific properties, which are
electrolytes. important to understand to be able to handle it
safely.
Warning:
Acids are hazardous materials 2.3.1 HCl acid strength
capable of doing harm. The HCl is a solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl)
handling, storage, transportation, gas in water. The strength of the acid depends
and mixing of all acids must be on how much HCl gas is dissolved in a given
done with extreme care. quantity of water. Maximum concentration of
commercial grade HCl is about 36% by weight.

This is then diluted to lower concentrations Acid strength is also measured using the
(in the 5 to 28% HCl range) by the addition of Baume scale, where 1.0 Baume units =
water. 1.0069 specific gravity.
The most common method of measuring the The specific gravity is affected by temperature;
concentration of dissolved gas is by determining therefore, it is also necessary to measure
the specific gravity of the acid solution. The the temperature of the acid at the same time.
lower the specific gravity is, the lower the Corrections are then made to convert the
concentration of acid is. The specific gravity readings back to the reference temperature of
reading is then converted into a percentage HCl 60 degF (16 degC).
by weight.
Refer to Appendix 2.1.3 of the Matrix Materials
A hydrometer is used to measure the specific Manual for the method, conversion tables from
gravity (and thus the strength) of HCl solutions. percent HCl to specific gravity and Baume
A sample of the HCl is placed in a graduated units, and the temperature correction factors.
cylinder so that it floats freely (see Fig. 2‑1).
Any floating oil must be removed from the
surface of the acid and the hydrometer must be 2.3.2 pH scale
cleaned. The point on the hydrometer scale at The pH scale (Fig. 2-2) is a measure of the
the surface of the liquid indicates the specific relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A
gravity. change of one pH unit means a 10x change
in the acidity or alkalinity of the solution. For
example, a change from pH 5 to pH 2 means
See detail an increase in acidity of 1,000x.
Horizontal plane
surface of liquid
Bottom of
meniscus
Figure 2-2. pH Scale
Liquid
Water is a neutral liquid with a pH of 7 (green).

Acidic solutions have a pH of less than 7, and
the lower the number, the stronger the acid.
Read scale The opposite of an acid is a base. Base, or
at this point
alkaline solutions have a pH of over 7. The
higher the pH is, the stronger the alkali is.
Horizontal plane
surface of liquid Testing the pH helps to quickly identify fluids
and to check if an acid has been neutralized.
Meniscus The pH of a fluid can be measured using
• red litmus paper: the paper turns red when

touched by an acid
Figure 2-1. Measuring SG with a Hydrometer • electronic pH meter (see Fig. 2-3): a probe
containing an acidic aqueous solution
encased in a special glass membrane
10 | Acid Properties and Hazards

allows migration of hydrogen ions (H+). If
the water has a pH different from that of
the solution within the probe, an electric
potential results that registers on the meter
Figure 2-3. pH Meter
• chemical indicators: color changes in

chemicals such as cobalt chloride, Congo
red, methyl orange, phenolphthalein, and
turmeric are used to measure different
ranges of pH.
JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 11

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12 | Acid Properties and Hazards

3.0 Use of Acids in the Oilfield
The choice of different acids used in the oil 3.2 Historical background
industry is based on
The use of acids in oil wells began over
• their reactivity with different reservoir rocks 100 years ago (Fig. 3-1). The following
and damage type significant dates and events mark the
development of well stimulation.
• by-products formed when they react
• properties of the reservoir, reservoir fluids, 1895: Ohio Oil Company used hydrochloric acid
and well tubulars. to acidize wells. It was reported that oil wells
increased production three times and gas wells
four times.
3.1 Current oilfield acid applications
Acids are used in the oilfield to March 1896: A patent for using hydrochloric
acid (HCl) for acidizing limestone was issued to
• stimulate wells to improve well production Herman Frasch, a chief chemist with Standard
Oil Company.
○ wellbore cleanup: The wellbore is filled,
washed, and allowed to soak with acid to
Unfortunately, the use of corrosion inhibitors
remove inorganic and organic deposits
was not considered and the acid severely
from the tubulars and the formation face.
corroded the well casing. The technique
○ acid fracturing: Acid is injected into declined in popularity and was dormant for
low-permeability carbonate formations about 30 years.
at pressures greater than the formation
fracturing pressure.
○ matrix acidizing: Acid is injected radially
into the matrix structure of the formation
below the fracturing pressure. The acid
reacts with rock and plugging materials,
removing damage and restoring
permeability to the near-wellbore
reservoir rock.
• remove scale and buildup of compounds
on the inner walls of pipes used in oil and
gas wells
• clean equipment such as boilers, pipe
work, and heat exchangers in chemical Figure 3-1. Pumping Acid in the Old Days
plants and refineries
1931: Dr. John Grebe of the Dow Chemical
• help free stuck pipe Company discovered that arsenic inhibited
• provide miscellaneous other uses. the action of HCl on metal. The Gypsy

Oil Company performed a number of well Mud acid dissolved the drilling mud deposited
treatments in sandstone formations, in which as a filter cake during the drilling process.
inhibited HCl was used in an attempt to remove
“gyp” deposits (calcium sulfate). The treatment 1949: Halliburton performed the first hydraulic
results were mostly unimpressive, and no fracturing treatment. The first treatments were
patents were filed on the process. probably performed with acid, although they
were not recognized as such at the time. Wells
February 1932: The first use of an inhibited in tight carbonate formations usually will not
acid on a limestone formation was by Dow accept acid until a critical pressure is reached.
Chemical Company, which siphoned 500 galUS Once this pressure is reached, acid can easily
of HCl containing 2 galUS of an arsenic inhibitor be injected at high rates. It was later recognized
through a garden hose into a well owned by that these wells had been hydraulically
the Pure Oil Company. The acid was then fractured.
displaced with an oil flush and the previously
dead well began producing 16 bbl/d.
3.3 Acid system selection
November 1932: Dow Well Service Group was The two main acid systems used in the oil
renamed Dowell in November 1932 to provide industry are designed to treat either carbonate
acidizing services. (limestone, dolomite, and oolite) or sandstone
(silica, quartz, feldspar, clay) reservoirs. For the
1933: A patent for the use of hydrofluoric acid two formation types, the following acids used
(HF) in sandstone formations was issued to are:
J. R. Wilson of the Standard Oil Company.
Wilson’s patent suggested in-situ generation • Carbonates (e.g., limestone; see Fig. 3-2
of HF in HCl by using sodium fluoride (NaF). for an example): HCl is the most common
It was not known that NaF, in the presence acid used in carbonate acidizing because
of HCl, produces the insoluble compound of its low cost, availability, and soluble
Na3SiF6. reaction products. Organic acids such
as acetic and formic acids are used for
1933: Halliburton Services performed the high-temperature applications because of
first treatment using HF blended with HCl in a their low corrosiveness, ease of inhibition,
1,500-ft well. The results were disappointing and retarded reaction characteristics.
and observers stated, “The reaction products Blends of HCl with either formic or acetic
of the acid seemed to have a plugging effect on acids are also used because of cost
the permeability of the formation.” As a result, efficiency and the reduced corrosivity
Halliburton discontinued the use of HF blends provided by the organic acids.
until the 1950s.
1935: Halliburton Oil Well Cementing Co.

started providing a commercial acidizing
service in Kansas.
1940: Schlumberger accomplished the first

commercially successful use of mixtures of HCl
and HF in the Gulf Coast area by using mud
acid. The HF was generated in a solution of
HCl by using ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2).
14 | Use of Acids in the Oilfield

3.4 Description of acids used in the
oilfield
The properties of these acids are shown in
Table 3-1.
Additives, such as inhibitor, iron stabilizers,

surfactants, demulsifying agents, and mutual
solvents can be added as required depending
on the fluid design for the particular job.
3.4.1 Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Figure 3-2. Limestone Hydrochloric acid (HCI) is a solution of
hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas in water. The
• Sandstones: Sandstone formations (see strength of the acid depends on how much
Fig. 3-3 for an example) are typically HCl gas is dissolved in a given quantity
treated with a mixture of hydrochloric of water. The maximum concentration of
acid (HCl) and HF, commonly called commercial grade HCl is about 36% by weight.
mud acid. The acid and other fluids used Concentrations of HCl up to 28% by weight
in sandstone formations depend very are generally used in oilfield treatment. In Well
much on the mineralogy of the rock as Services, the chemical code for hydrochloric
well as on the damage type. Other acids acid includes H005, H015, and H028, with the
used in sandstone formations include last three digits representing the concentration
lower concentrations of HCl and HF of HCl in percent (for example, H028 is 28%
with fluoboric acid (HBF4) added. These hydrochloric acid).
mixtures are called clay acids and are
designed specifically for acidizing sensitive
3.4.2 Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
sandstone formations and providing
stabilization of clays and other fines. HF is the second most frequently used acid in
the oil field and is always used with another
acid, usually HCl. The most common form of
HF is mud acid (see Section 3.4.3). The HF
reacts with and dissolves all materials that are
soluble in HCl. HF also reacts with, dissolves,
or partially dissolves bentonite, naturally
occurring formation clays, and other siliceous
materials.
Figure 3-3. Sandstone

Table 3-1. Properties of Common Acids Used by Schlumberger
SG Flash
Chemical
Product Name Form @ 60 Point pH
Code
degF degF
H005 Hydrochloric acid (HCI) 5% Colorless liquid 1.068 > 200 <2
H075 Hydrochloric acid 7.5% Liquid 1.068 > 200 <2
H010 Hydrochloric acid 10% Liquid 1.068 > 200 <2
H015 Hydrochloric acid 15% Colorless-light yellow liquid 1.068 > 200 <2
H020 Hydrochloric acid 20% Liquid 1.068 > 200 <2
H152 HCI/HF acid 25/20 Colorless to yellow liquid 1.20 > 200 <1
H200 Hydrofluoric (HF) acid 20% Colorless liquid 1.20 > 200
H700 Hydrofluoric acid 70% Used by Schlumberger vendor to prepare 20% HF in our
storage tanks
Y001 Intensifer Y1 ammonium bifluoride White crystals 1.50 > 200 2
H948 Dilute mud acid Colorless liquid > 200 <1
Any solution with up to 7.5% HCI and 1.5% HF
H949 Regular mud acid Colorless liquid 1.10 > 200 <1
Any solution with 7.6% to 12% HCI and 1.6 to
3.0% HF
H950 Super mud acid Colorless liquid 1.10 > 200 <1
Any solution with 12.1% to 16% HCI and 3.1% to
6% HF
Y006 Intensifier Y6 White granular powder 1.40 > 200 5.1 @
1%
H813 Full strength clay acid Colorless liquid 1.1 > 200 <1
7.8% HBF4 + 0.6% HF + 0.3% HCI
H814 Full strength clay acid LT Colorless liquid 1.1 > 200 <1
7.8% HBF4 + 0.6% HF + 5.5% HCI
H913 Half-strength clay acid Colorless liquid 1.1 > 200 <1
4.1% HBF4 + 0.3% HF + 0.15% HCI
H914 Half-strength clay acid Colorless liquid 1.1 > 200
4.0% HBF4 + 0.3% HF + 2.9% HCI
L400 Glacial acetic acid (100% acetic acid) Colorless liquid 1.05 109
L401 Acetic acid solution Colorless liquid 1.00 to 90 1.0
1.05
L036 Formic acid Colorless liquid 1.20 64 2.2
degC
(147
degF)

acetic acid solution (using stabilizing agent
Warning: L401). The big advantage of acetic acid is that
concentrations of up to 12% acetic acid can
Concentrated HF is dangerous to
be adequately inhibited from causing steel
handle. Schlumberger employees
corrosion at temperatures up to 350 degF for
are not permitted to handle HF
extended periods of time. In most cases, acetic
concentrations greater than 20%
acid is used in conjunction with HCl.
by weight. Higher concentrations
must be transported and mixed by
vendors. 3.4.6 Formic acid (L036)
Formic acid (HCOOH) is a mixture of 9% L036
and water. It is much stronger than acetic acid,
but it is also more difficult to inhibit. It can be
3.4.3 Mud acid
used at temperatures as high as 400 degF
Mud acid is a mixture of inhibited HCl and HF. [204 degC].
There are three main classifications: dilute,
regular, and super mud acid. These acids can
be prepared in one of three ways: 3.4.7 Other acid systems
There are many other acid systems that are
• by blending a 20% solution of HF with HCl mixtures of the acids discussed in the previous
• by diluting a storage mixture of 25% HCl + sections with alcohols, oils, gelling agents, and
20% HF solution with water and HCl surfactants.
• by dissolving Intensifier Y001 in HCl acid to Other acids, such as citric acid, are used in
obtain the desired concentration. some industrial cleaning applications.
3.4.4 Clay acid Refer to the Matrix Materials Manual for details,
Clay acid is a mixture of HCl, intensifier Y001 InTouch Content ID# 4013354.
(ammonium bifluoride), and intensifier Y006,
which contains boron. Clay acids slowly release
HF from the hydrolysis of HBF4. There are four
3.5 Acid additives
clay acid formulations: Acid solutions are mixed with one or more
additives to allow them to be used effectively in
• full strength clay acid, used for 130 to oilfield applications. Schlumberger stimulation
300 degF [54 to 149 degC] acids always contain water, concentrated acid,
and a corrosion inhibitor.
• full strength clay acid LT, used for 100 to
130 degF [38 to 54 degC]
• half-strength clay acid Note:
• half-strength clay acid LT. Clean, rust-free tanks must be used
when preparing all acid mixtures.
3.4.5 Acetic acid
Acetic acid (HC2H3O2) can be prepared using
either glacial acetic acid (using stabilizing agent
L400, 100% acetic acid) or a low freezing point

Other additives commonly used include
Warning:
• a nonemulsifier
Inhibitors and inhibitor aids are
• a surfactant to reduce surface tension, hazardous materials. Extreme care
suspend fines, or create foam should be taken when handling
these products (see MSDSs).
• a mutual solvent
• an iron ion stabilizer
• an acid diverter. For more details, refer to the Corrosion
Inhibitor Reference Page, InTouch Content ID#
3300760.
Note:
All the additives used in a specific
3.5.2 Surfactants
acid solution must be compatible
with the carrier fluid, with each A surfactant is a chemical that alters
other, and with the formation and liquid-liquid or gas-liquid interfacial properties.
reaction products. Compatibility Surfactants reduce the interfacial tension
tests must be performed in a and change the contact angle at the interface
laboratory. between liquid and solid. Surfactants are used
to
• reduce surface or interfacial tension and

3.5.1 Inhibitors and inhibitor aids capillary force
An acid corrosion inhibitor is added to acid to
• control or change rock wettability
decrease the destructive reaction of acid with
metals. The inhibitor eliminates more than • prevent or break water blocks and
99% of the metal losses that would occur if the emulsions
inhibitor were not present.
• disperse and suspend fines.
Inhibitor type and concentration depends on the Common surfactants include F78, F103, and
acid system and the temperature. Inhibitor aids F105.
are used to extend the performance range of
acid inhibitors. Corrosion testing is performed
to determine the concentrations of inhibitor 3.5.3 Foaming agents
and inhibitor aid required to give the desired Foams are used in stimulation treatments as
protection time. a diverter and to improve cleanup. To ensure
that the foam is stable (that is, that the gas is
Inhibitor examples include A261, A2262, A270, well dispersed in the liquid), a foaming agent is
and A272. The most common inhibitor aid is added. Foaming agents are surfactants.
A201.
Antifoams and alcohol tend to neutralize the
actions of these foaming agents. Common
foaming agents include F78, F100, F105, and
F107.

3.5.4 Mutual solvents 3.5.7 Iron-control agents
Mutual solvents are multifunctional, nonionic When iron is dissolved during matrix
agents soluble in oil, water, acid, and brines. treatments, iron precipitation and formation
The mutual solvents act as wetting agents, damage may occur. Iron precipitation can be
nonemulsifiers and surface/interfacial tension prevented by adding complexing agents and
reducers. They dissolve oil on the rock surface reducing agents.
and off fines generated during acidizing, leaving
them water wet. Water-wet fines do not tend to Common iron control agents include L1, L41,
stabilize emulsions. U42, and L58.
Mutual solvents are used in large quantities of

5% to 80%. They tend to penetrate deep into 3.5.8 Specialty additives
the formation, aid in the injection of the treating Specialty additives can be added to the acid
fluid into the rock matrix, and help cleaning up or pre- and postflushes to help improve the
the treatment quicker. effectiveness of a stimulation treatment. These
include
U66 and U100 are common mutual solvents.
• clay stabilizers
3.5.5 Antisludge agents • alcohols
Acid sludges are precipitates comprising • antifoam agents
asphaltenes, resins, asphaltogenic acids, and/ • formation cleaners
or other high-molecular hydrocarbons. These
sludges are formed when acid contacts the • emulsifiers
crude oil. • scale inhibitors
Antisludge additives stabilize the colloidal • bactericides.

asphaltic materials found in crudes and prevent More information about these and all the other
the formation of sludge. additives can be found in the Matrix Materials
Manual, InTouch Content ID# 4013354, or in
W60 and W54 are common antisludge agents. the SWBT Matrix Acidizing Additives, InTouch
Content ID# 4135038.
3.5.6 Nonemulsifying agents
Most crudes contain emulsifying agents
capable of generating very stable emulsions
downhole, resulting in formation damage. When
a treating fluid comes in contact with crude oil,
varying degrees of emulsion takes place.
Nonemulsifiers are added to the treating fluid.

They help prevent the formation of emulsions
and also break existing emulsions.
W53 and W54 are common nonemulsifying

agents.


4.0 Safety Considerations
Acids and acid additives are hazardous ID# 3313681 and TBT at InTouch Content
materials because they can cause injury, ID# 3318425.
a health hazard, or damage to property
• WS Safety Standard 17: Storage and
and equipment. To minimize the risks while
Handling of Oxidizers: InTouch Content
working with acids and acid additives,
ID# 3313693 and the TBT at InTouch
appropriate precautions should be taken. For
Content ID# 3334298.
example, water should never be added to the
concentrated acid because the solution could • Well Services Safety Standard 4: Facilities
boil and splash into your face or on your body. and Workshops: InTouch Content
Always add acid to water. ID# 3313678.
• Well Services Safety Standard 25:
Confined Space Entry, InTouch Content
4.1 Safety standards
ID# 3313705, because the tanks used
Personnel involved in handling and using to store acids and acid chemicals are
any acid or acid additive must review and be considered confined spaces and personnel
certified in the following standards: must meet all the confined space
requirements before entering them.
• Well Services Safety Standard 18:
Material Handling and Chemical Hazard
4.2 Responsibilities
Communication (HAZCOM): details
specific rules and procedures that must Management is responsible for
be followed at all locations at which
hazardous materials are handled and used • complying with these standards; supplying
in operations; refer to InTouch Content the necessary personal protective
ID# 3313694 and also the TBT at InTouch equipment (PPE)
Content ID# 3348663. • providing the training for personnel
• Schlumberger Environmental Standard: • applying for exemptions when compliance
SLB-QHSE S008: details the requirements is not possible.
and procedures designed to protect
the environment, prevent pollution, Job supervisors are responsible for
minimize environmental impact, and
comply with environmental laws and • ensuring that all Schlumberger employees
regulatory requirements; InTouch Content and contractors at the work site comply
ID# 3605373. with these standards
• OFS QHSE Safety Std 003: Personal • recognizing the risks associated with the
Protective Equipment (PPE): InTouch operation and reducing these risks to the
Content ID# 3260259. greatest extent possible
• WS Safety Standard 5: Pressure Pumping

and Location Safety: InTouch Content

• ensuring that all Schlumberger personnel
on site are competent to drive and/or
operate their assigned equipment
• taking the appropriate action, up to
and including terminating the job, if
unacceptable risks exist.
All employees are responsible for complying
with these standards and recognizing and Figure 4-1. Goggles
reducing (to the extent possible), the risks
associated with the operation.
4.3 PPE
PPE must be worn while working as mandated
in OFS QHSE Safety Standard 003. When
handling acids and acid additives, any
additional PPE required is listed in the MSDS
for each product (see http://slb-chemicals.
sugar-land.oilfield.slb.com/Msds.cfm ). See
Table 4-1 for a list of the minimum PPE required
for each type of acid. Figure 4-2. Faceshield
4.3.1 Eye and face protection: 4.3.2 Hand protection

Wear close-fitting chemical splash goggles Impervious gloves (Butyl, Neoprene, Nitrile,
(indirect-vented chemical goggles), at a PVC, or Viton) must be worn (see Table 4-1).
minimum. Where splash hazard to face is
present, also wear a full-length transparent face
4.3.3 Skin and body protection
shield (see Figs. 4-1 and 4-2). Protection should
meet ANSI standard Z87.1 - 1989 or European You must wear a chemical-resistant apron and
Standard 166. chemical-resistant boots, such as neoprene
or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (see Figs. 4-3 and
4-4). Ensure all potentially affected body parts
Note: are covered, using such precautions as taping
Contact lenses should not be worn; sleeves and pant legs to gloves and boots and
they could contribute to severe eye buttoning clothing to the neck.
damage.
Note:
A safety shower and eyewash
station should be located in the
immediate work area.
22 | Safety Considerations

Table 4-1. PPE Required for Handling Different Acid Types
Hand Protection: Gloves (Impervious) Eye & Face Skin & Body
Acid Respirator
Butyl Neoprene Nitrite PVC Viton Protection Protection
Hydrochloric acids (HCl) X X X - X
NIOSH-
Hydrofluoric acids (HF) - X X X X
approved
Acetic acid (L400, L401) - X - - - respirator
with organic
Formic acid (L036) - X - - - vapor/acid
gas protection
Tightly
Mud acids (HCI + HF) - X X X - (color coded Chemical-
fitting safety
yellow). resistant suit,
goggles.
Clay acids (HBF4 + HF + HCl) - X X X - boots.
Face shield.
Y001 intensifier - - X - - NIOSH-
approved
Y006 intensifier X - - - - respirator with
dust and mist
protection (3M
8210).
4.3.4 Respiratory protection

When exposure levels could exceed 5 ppm, a
NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator with
an acid-gas cartridge (color-coded yellow) in
combination with a high-efficiency particulate
air filter (HEPA) is recommended (see Fig. 4-5).
When exposure levels could exceed 50 ppm,

a self-contained breathing apparatus with a full
face piece is recommended (see Fig. 4-6).
Figure 4-3. Protective Suit
Figure 4-5. Respirator
Figure 4-4. Protective Apron

4.4 Hazard communication documents
Several documents identify the hazardous
nature of acids and acid additives. The
documents state the nature of the materials,
PPE and safety precautions and requirements,
potential hazards, and what to do in the case of
an incident. The documents are
• MSDSs
• product labels
• shipping pages
• EU – ADR Trem Cards
• US – Shipping Papers
Figure 4-6. Breathing Mask
• Canada – Shipping Manifests.
These documents are available at the following
4.3.5 Treating HF acid exposure Web site, which is also a useful source of
information: http://slb-chemicals.sugar-land.
HF will cause excruciatingly painful, oilfield.slb.com/.
deep-seated skin burns that are slow to heal.
The effects of dilute solutions (<20%) do not
usually become apparent until several hours 4.4.1 Material safety data sheets
after exposure. (MSDSs)
If skin comes in contact with HF, rinse The MSDS is the reference document for
thoroughly with water and massage calcium all material hazard, safety, and handling
gluconate gel or benzalkonium chloride solution information for each acid or acid additive.
into the burn site. This gel is not PPE, but it is
a special requirement when handling or mixing A complete list of MSDSs can be found at http://
hydrofluoric acid (HF). Apply the gel every www.hub.slb.com/display/index.do?id=id84363
15 minutes and massage until pain/redness
resolves or until medical care is available. The The following requirements include all Well
first aid provider should wear gloves when Services chemicals, purchased products, and
applying the gel to prevent contact with the purchased maintenance materials, which are
acid. hazardous items:
• The identity of the material on the container

label must be the same as that on the
MSDS. This identity enables the correct
MSDS to be found using the material name
or code.
• For locally purchased products, a copy of
the vendor MSDS must be kept on file.

• The local manager is responsible for • Old labels may be replaced with new labels
making sure that a current MSDS is on that meet Well Services requirements.
file for any material or product from other
companies. 4.4.3 Dangerous goods warning
• Current MSDSs must be available to any All containers for materials must be marked
person in the workplace who works with or with a warning that defines the possible
has exposure to hazardous materials. hazards of the product. The design of this
• MSDSs must be in the work areas where label can change in different locations, but it is
they are easy to find. normally included with the product label.
• MSDSs must be supplied for any materials • HMIS Label (see Fig 4-7): All products from
purchased from Well Services (WS) and to the USA must have the HMIS label, which
customers upon request. contains three boxes:
○ health hazard
4.4.2 Chemical labels
○ flammability hazard
All chemical materials that cause a physical,
health, or environmental hazard must comply ○ reactivity hazard.
with the Well Services policy for labels.
Each of the boxes contains a number from
This includes chemicals supplied by WS,
0 to 4 indicating the hazard level: 0 = no
repackaged chemicals, laboratory chemicals,
risk; 4 = high risk.
raw materials, and common chemicals such as
solvents, coolants, and fuels. • EU Label (see Fig. 4-8): Products from
Europe must have the EU label, which
Each material package or container must be
shows a series of symbols to define
clearly marked with the following information:
physical, health, and environmental
hazards. These symbols do NOT indicate
• chemical name or code of the chemical.
the potential hazards.
This identity must show the alphanumeric
Well Services code and the trade name Canadian WHMIS label (see Fig. 4-9): Products
and must be the same as the description from Canada must have the Canadian WHMIS
of the material in the MSDS (e.g., H015 label, which has symbols that define physical,
hydrochloric acid 15%). health, and environmental hazards.
• hazard warnings
• name and address of the manufacturer, the
company packaging the product, distributor,
and so on.
Other requirements include the following:
• Missing or worn labels must be replaced

immediately.
• Labels on purchased products must not be
removed or damaged.

Figure 4-7. US Chemical Label for 15% HCI

Figure 4-8. EU Chemical Label for 33% HCl

Figure 4-9. Canada Chemical Label for 15% HCl

NFPA 704 is a standard maintained by the Acids are classified as Class 8: corrosive fluids,
U.S. National Fire Protection Association. It so they will likely have a HAZMAT placard,
defines the fire diamond used by emergency depending on the country. These placards
personnel to quickly and easily identify the should be placed in the placard holders on acid
risks posed by hazardous materials. This helps transport trailers and tanks (Fig. 4-11).
determine if any specialty equipment should
be used, procedures followed, or precautions
taken during the first moments of an emergency
response. For example, Figure 4-10 shows
the diamond for hydrochloric acid; each color
represents a hazard type and each number
rates the hazard. The higher the number, the
greater the hazard. COR means it is corrosive.
0 Figure 4-11. Transport Placards
3 0 4.5.2 EU TREM cards

In Europe, the ADR (L’accord européen relatif
au transport international des marchandises
COR dangereuses par route, or the European
agreement for the international transport of
dangerous goods by road) controls the road
transport of hazardous materials such as acids.
In addition to driver training and certification,
Figure 4-10. Fire Diamond NFPA 704 TREM (transport emergency cards) must
accompany the driver and truck. The TREM
cards (see Fig. 4-12) detail the hazardous
4.5 Transportation material being transported and safety
information and instructions.
Transporting acid presents several issues and
concerns.
4.5.1 Hazardous materials transportation

placards
Transportation regulations in the majority of
countries require hazardous materials (or
dangerous goods) placards when shipping
hazardous materials or dangerous goods.

Figure 4-12. ADR TREM Card for 15% HCI

5.0 Acid Supply
Schlumberger uses approximately 80 acid necessary to unload the acid with an acid
suppliers around the world, with 60% of transfer pump and hoses.
the supply coming from five suppliers. The
locations in which the largest use of acid occur
are US land, Canada, and the Arabian Gulf.
5.1 Acid supply packaging

Acid is purchased and supplied in four ways (in
descending order of volumes):
• Bulk acid in road transporters: conventional

acid transporters (Fig. 5-1) provided
by the acid supplier or Schlumberger.
Various capacities are used depending on
availability. The transporters are usually Figure 5-2. Acid Railcar in Kazakhstan
rubber lined.
• intermediate bulk containers (IBCs): IBCs
are 1000-liter or 250-galUS tote tanks
(Fig. 5-3) made of a steel-tube cage with
an inner container made out of high-density
polyethylene. When containing fluids of
SG = 1.30, they can be stacked in threes.
IBCs have a fill port equipped with a 2-in
sealed screw cap, and discharge through
a 2-in butterfly valve at the bottom. The
dimensions are: 1,200 mm x 1,000 mm x
1,163 mm H with a tare weight of 59 kg.
Figure 5-1. Commerical Acid Transporter
• bulk acid in rail cars: Large volumes of

bulk acid can be supplied in rubber-lined,
22,000 to 23,500 gallon acid railcars
(Fig. 5-2) if the district is close to a rail
system. In technologically-advanced
countries, most acid cars are fitted with
loading and unloading devices on a single
nozzle, thus protecting workers and
the environment. In other locations, it is Figure 5-3. Acid Tote Tank (IBC)

• Polyethylene drums (220 L): the drums are • quality control test criteria (type of test,
blow molded in one operation together with acceptable limits, and test method)
the top and bottom out of high-molecular
• acknowledgements.
weight-high density polyethylene
(HMW‑HDPE), and have an integrated Acid delivered by suppliers generally contains
L-ring on the top (Fig. 5-4). The drums are <180 ppm iron content.
optimally drainable and can be stacked
three to four high on pallets.
Note:
The acid must not be transferred to
dirty storage tanks.
5.3 Procedure to receive acid at the

district
Acid is delivered to the Schlumberger facility
and typically is transferred to bulk acid storage
tanks. If the district does not have bulk acid
storage, the acid is stored in a chemical
warehouse and then either mixed at the district
and sent to the job site in acid transport tanks,
or the concentrated acid is sent in its containers
to the job site to be mixed on location.
Figure 5-4. 220-Liter Acid Drums
Bulk plant personnel should follow these
guidelines:
5.2 Material specifications
1. Ensure all necessary PPE is available
Each product that Schlumberger buys must and worn by personnel. Spill equipment
meet purchasing specifications. All shipments should be available. The eye wash
must comply with these specifications. station and emergency shower must
be functional. Current MSDSs must be
available for all materials received.
Note:
Product specifications are 2. All bulk materials from other companies
confidential! delivered to Well Services facilities
must be controlled by a Well Services
employee authorized to operate that
bulk facility. Loading and unloading
The specifications list the following:
areas must be clearly marked.
• product code and name, e.g., H036, HCl
3. Transport units equipped with
36% uninhibited H36
air compressors from third-party
• nominal composition information (chemical companies must use their air supply
composition) equipment to unload products.
32 | Acid Supply

4. Make sure acid is transferred to a 5.4 Inventory control
storage tank containing the same
material or to a clean, empty tank. If The stock levels of acid and acid additives
acid is received in drums or tote tanks, must be controlled and monitored. This is very
then they should be stored in a safe important for the profitability of the Company.
area. Effective inventory control reduces waste and
costs, ensuring resources are optimized.
5. Before transferring acid into
Schlumberger storage tanks, check In some parts of the world, it is also a legal
the specific gravity of the acid using requirement to keep acid in a secure facility and
a hydrometer and determine the acid maintain legal records of acid stocks.
concentration.
6. Confirm that the volume of acid ordered

matches the volume received.
Note:
If the acid received does not match
the strength and volume ordered,
inform your supervisor immediately.
7. A material reception form should be

completed stating supplier, receipt
date, quantity, and description. Any
differences should be noted.
8. Enter the acid description,

concentration, volume received, and
storage locations in the inventory
system.
9. Follow safe procedures to flush all lines

with water before the equipment is
disconnected.
Note:
When flushing acid out of lines,
valves, and pumps with fresh water,
make sure you use a flush rate high
enough to ensure all the acid is
flushed out.

34 | Acid Supply

6.0 Acid Storage
Acid storage (Fig. 6-1) refers to equipment used • revetment with a protective coating
primarily at the district or job site to hold acid
• loading dock.
until it is needed for a job.
The preferred facilities are not available at
The equipment used at Schlumberger districts many locations. Typical levels of facility for acid
for acid storage varies widely depending on storage and mixing are
location, local laws and regulations, and the
level of acidizing services provided. • high volume bulk storage capacity for
more than one acid type with several acid
The preferred storage facility for an acid plant storage tanks
includes • fume scrubber
• acid storage tank
• water storage tank
• mix tank
• acid fume scrubber
• liquid additive system
Figure 6-1. Acid Storage Tanks at a Schlumberger Location

• water tanks
• transfer pumps
• mixing equipment
• additive storage facilities
• small volume bulk storage with a few acid
storage tanks, water tank, and transfer
pump
• warehouse storage for acid tote tanks and/
or drums
• mixing in transporters or in tanks at the job
site.
There is a wide variety of tanks and other
facilities.
36 | Acid Storage

Figures 6-2 to 6-7 show the Hassi-Messaoud, Algeria, facility.
Figure 6-2. Fume Scrubber with Electric Water Pump Figure 6-5. Acid Mixing Tank with Electric Paddle
Figure 6-3. Acid and Water Storage Tanks Figure 6-6. Liquid Additive Storage Tanks and Pumps
Figure 6-4. Wilden Transfer Pumps and Acid Mix Tank

Figure 6-7. Acid Loading Area with Loading Arm/Hose

Figures 6-8 through 6-13 show the Midland, Texas, USA, Facility.
Figure 6-8. Acid Storage Tanks and Loading Area Figure 6-11. Liquid Additive Storage Tanks and Fume
Scrubbers
Figure 6-12. Liquid Additive Storage Totes, Fume Scrubbers

Figure 6-9. Loading Area Access and Safety Shower and Loading Arm
Figure 6-10. Control Panel for Acid Plant Figure 6-13. Fume Scrubbers and Water Pumps
38 | Acid Storage

Figures 6-14 to 6-19 show the Jebel AI, UAE, facility. Figure 6-14 shows the secondary
containment and warning signs on rubber-lined tanks.
Figure 6-14. Acid Storage Tanks 20,000 galUS Figure 6-17. Acid Storage Tanks
Figure 6-15. Rear of Acid Storage Tanks Figure 6-18. Restricted Access to Acid Plant
Figure 6-16. Acid Valve and Suction on Acid Storage Tanks Figure 6-19. Suction and Fill-Up Lines on Acid Storage Tanks

Figures 6-20 through 6-25 show the Vernal, Utah, USA, facility.
Figure 6-20. Acid Building Figure 6-23. Fume Scrubber
Figure 6-21. Acid Storage Tanks Figure 6-24. Outside Revetment
Figure 6-22. Chemical Bulk Storage Figure 6-25. Liquid Additive Pumps
40 | Acid Storage

Figures 6-26 through 6-29 show the Tengiz, Kazakhstan, facility.
Figure 6-26. General View of Acid Storage Tanks, Water Supply Tank and Fume Scrubber (with lagged point)
Figure 6-27. Acid Storage Tanks, Piping and Walkway (notice secondary containment wall)
Figure 6-28. Eye Wash Station (notice Figure 6-29. Acid Plant with Acid Railcar to
lagging for cold weather) Be Offloaded

Figures 6-30 through 6-34 show the facility at Montrose, Scotland.
Figure 6-30. Acid Bulk Plant Tank

Figure 6-33. Acid Transfer Pumps
Figure 6-31. 2 x 30,000-galUS Rubber Lined Acid Tanks and Fume Scrubber with Secondary Containment and Warning Signs
Figure 6-32. Safety Shower and Equipment at

Loading Point Figure 6-34. Manifolding Between Acid Tanks
42 | Acid Storage

Figure 6-35 shows the plant at Aracaju, Mexico. Figure 6-36 is of a plant at an unknown location.
Figure 6-35. Acid Bulk Plant
Figure 6-36. Acid Storage Plant

Figures 6-37 through 6-39 show a few more plants.
Figure 6-37. Bakersfield, California, Acid Bulk Plant
Figure 6-38. Loading Acid, Villahemosa, Mexico (View 1)
Figure 6-39. Loading Acid, Villahemosa, Mexico (View 2)
44 | Acid Storage

Figure 6-40 shows the mV Galaxie in West Africa with 28,400 galUS raw acid storage capacity.
Figure 6-40. Galaxie Stimulation Vessel
Figure 6-41 shows the mV BIGORANGE 25 in the Persian Gulf. When acid tanks are installed on
its back deck, the raw acid storage is 120,000 US gallons.
Figure 6-41. BIGORANGE 25 Stimulation Vessel

Figures 6-42 through 6-47 show various DeepSTIM vessels. As shown in Figure 6-44, the
DeepSTIM has a 8,400-galUS raw acid storage capacity on the back deck. The DeepSTIM III has
three 4,200-galUS acid storage tanks. In Figure 6-44, raw acid is stored in six 30,000 galUS tanks
allowing 240,000 galUS of 28% HCI or 475,000 galUS of 15% HCI to be mixed in-line.
Figure 6-42. DeepSTIM Stimulation Vessel (View 1)
Figure 6-43. DeepSTIM Stimulation Vessel (View 1 and View 2)
Figure 6-44. DeepSTIM Acid Storage (View 4)
46 | Acid Storage

Figure 6-45. BIGORANGE XVIII (North Sea)
Figure 6-46. BIGORANGE XVIII Liquid Additive Storage and

Pumps Figure 6-47. BIGORANGE XVIII (North Sea), Top View

6.1 Safety equipment
The minimum safety requirements for acid Note:
plants are stated in Well Services Safety All containers and tanks in the plant
Standard 4: Facilities and Workshops. The must be clearly marked with their
type and quantity of safety equipment available contents.
must be determined by the requirements on the
MSDS and the number of workers at the plant.
The revetment area should be hydro-tested
yearly and the results documented.
6.1.1 Acid bulk plant area
Each location must have a current Spill
Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures
Note: (SPCC) plan. This plan must be updated as
described in QHSE Standard 8: Environment,
All chemicals, except for bulk
InTouch Content ID# 3605373.
dry chemicals, must be stored
on concrete pads that provide
secondary containment (see 6.1.2 Lining for acid storage area
Fig. 6-48).
Acid storage areas must have an acid-resistant
lining. Numerous suitable coatings and lining
are available. See examples of linings in
Figures 6-49 and 6-50.
Note:
The surface on which the linings or
coatings are put must be clean and
dry.
Figure 6-48. Revetment Area Before Acid Tanks
The secondary containment must hold no

less than 110% of the volume of the largest
container in the storage area, with an additional
12-in free board.
Both the containment area and the loading

slab must have a slope so that any spills are
collected in a sump. Figure 6-49. Protective Lining Laid in Acid Tank Area, View 1
48 | Acid Storage

Product content
Hazard warning labels

Hazard warning
Material label
Figure 6-50. Protective Lining Laid in Acid Tank Area, View 2
6.1.3 Loading slab

Figure 6-51. Safety Signs on Acid Tank
A loading slab must be installed to prevent any
spills from entering the ground. The loading 6.1.5 Chemical storage
slab must have a slope to collect any spills in a
Chemical storage must meet the following
sump.
requirements.
6.1.4 Signage • All chemicals must be protected by a roof

or cover.
All bulk storage vessels must have signs
(Fig. 6-50) that display the following items: • Any warehouses must be clean at all times.
• Any spills must be cleaned up immediately
• contents of the container and disposed of according to local
• correct hazard warning labels for the regulations.
country • Chemicals must be stored separately by
• hazard warning signs (e.g., Flammable or type.
No Smoking) • Well Services product signs must be
• “Confined Space Permit Required” decal or displayed near each product.
sign on each hatch of the storage vessel • The sign must show the Well Services
• location of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, product code (example, A260) and the
spill kits, muster points, and exits must be symbols for the PPE requirements.
well marked. • Bulk tanks containing aromatic solvents
must be separated from other bulk tanks by
a wall or be in a separate storage area.
• MSDSs must be available for all chemicals
present in the plant.

6.1.6 Safety shower and eye wash Emergency shower
stations
Eye wash and safety shower stations must be
installed according to Well Services Safety
Standard 2: Emergency Shower and Eye Wash
Stations, InTouch Content ID# 3313674. An eye
wash station and a safety shower must be on
the loading dock area and in the area where
additives are mixed (Fig. 6-52).
Eye wash station
Warning:
Use only clean drinking water in
both the safety showers and eye
wash stations. Never use any
other solution; your eyes could be
damaged on contact.
Figure 6-52. Safety Shower and Eye Wash Station

Note:
Install a water hose that will reach
all parts of the high-risk area in When water is left in the eye wash stations,
addition to the safety shower and there is a risk of bacteria. To prevent this
eye wash station. problem, add a water treatment chemical to the
water tank.
Note:
Make sure that the water treatment
chemical is safe for use in eyes.
The eye wash station must be
washed and flushed with clean
water every 30 days.
When an object or chemical enters your eyes,

DO NOT rub the eyes. The best method to
remove the object or chemical is to flush the
eye with large quantities of clean water. Follow
these procedures:
Step 01 Go to the nearest eye wash

station and push the handle of the valve.
50 | Acid Storage

Step 02 Hold your eye lids open with your • soda ash to control HCl spills; If HF acid is
fingers and keep your eyes in the flow of clean used at the location, use calcium carbonate
water. to control the HF acid
• new drums to contain leaking drums of
step 03 Wash your eyes for at least chemicals.
15 minutes.
step 04 Request that a doctor check your

eyes to make sure that the object or chemical is
removed.
Warning:
You must remove chemicals that
come in contact with your eyes
within 15 to 30 seconds.
Know the location of the eye wash stations and

the safety showers.
Know how to use all the safety equipment in an

area that handles hazardous chemicals.
6.1.7 Spill kit

Each location must have an emergency spill kit
(Figs. 6-53 and 6-54) for a chemical spill. The
size of the kit and the amount of equipment in Figure 6-53. Typical Mobile Spill Kit
it are determined by the quantity of products
stored.
A spill kit typically includes the following

equipment.
• shovels to remove contaminated dirt or

chemical absorbent materials
• bags of absorbent material to absorb
chemical or oil spills
• booms to contain spills within one area
• chemical spill drums to contain the dirt or
absorbent materials
Figure 6-54. Spill Kit Contents

6.1.8 Oxidizer storage and transport Fire extinguishers must be located in the
loading dock area and the area where acids are
Oxidizers (e.g., B58, J218, J475, J479, and mixed, and they must be protected from direct
J569) can cause fires and explosions, and sunlight. A fire extinguisher must be on the
can release toxic vapors when mixed with solvent storage containment wall.
incompatible materials. Oxidizers must be
separated from other chemicals, either by Fire extinguishers must be installed on hangers
being stored in a separate building or by being or in brackets. Install signs above the fire
enclosed by cinder block or brick walls. extinguishers that show their position.
Refer to Well Services Safety Standard 17:
Storage and Handling of Oxidizers (InTouch
Content ID# 3334298) for the storage, handling, Caution:
and transportation (Fig. 6-55) of oxidizers. Do not block access to the fire
extinguisher.
6.2 Acid storage tanks

Acid storage tanks are normally either
steel tanks with an acid-resistant lining or
polyethylene tanks. The capacity of tanks can
vary from 5,000 to 20,000 galUS.
For stationary storage tanks in an acid plant,

tanks made of high-density cross-linked
polyethylene are recommended. Alternatively,
tanks made of carbon steel with bonded
crosslinked polyethylene inner liner can be
used. However, the size of the tank is limited
because the size of the curing ovens available
to make these tanks is limited. Fiberglass is
also used for acid storage tanks and for smaller
acid transport tanks.
Figure 6-55. Oxidizer Shipping Box
For mobile acid transports, tanks made
of carbon steel with bonded crosslinked
polyethylene inner liner are preferred, but again
6.1.9 Fire extinguisher the size is limited.
Note: 6.2.1 Polyethylene tanks

Fire extinguishers must be easily High-density cross-linked polyethylene
available in case of a fire. (HDXLPE) tanks are the standard vertical
storage tanks for acid used by Schlumberger
(see Figs. 6-56 and 6-57). They are typically
12,000-galUS, 12-ft diameter, vertical tanks
52 | Acid Storage

with ladders to the top for access to the 6.2.2 Steel tanks with lining
manway cover and level sensor. Each acid tank
discharge is designed to be double valved. Steel storage tanks must be lined with a
material that is resistant to acid. Rubber-lined
(Fig. 6-58) or butyl-lined (Fig. 6-59) tanks have
been used with normal capacities ranging
6,000 to 15,000 galUS.
Note:
Manufacturer’s specifications
must be checked to determine
compatibility of fluids to be stored
and transported with the coating/
lining used under local conditions.
6.2.3 Tank linings and coatings

The type of material and the type of lining
used for acid storage and transportation tanks
is dependent on the application, product
Figure 6-56. 12,000 galUS HDXLPE Acid Storage Tank availability, and cost.
Vent line to fume

Note:
scrubber Mark all tanks to show coating/
Safety relief lining used and the fluid
valve
compatibility.
Tank level
controls
Fill • rubber: can only be used for straight acid,
line noninhibited acid, and zero additives.
It should not be used to store solvents
such as xylene or toluene. Any tanks with
rubber linings must have a sign marked,
12,000-galUS “Rubber-Lined Tank—Do not cut or weld”.
Level acid storage
gauge
tank
To mix /
FC
transfer
line
Note:
Never pull a vacuum on an HCl
Figure 6-57. Schematic of Acid Tank tank car. It could damage the
rubber liner.

Rubber-Lined Tank
(Specify with 0, 1 or 2 breakwater panels)
Tank capacity 56,800 I (15,000 galUS)
Tank weight, empty 13.5 t (29,700 lbm)
Gross weight, full 81.6 t (179,900 lbm)
Length 860 cm (28 ft 2 1/2 in)
Height 393 cm (12 ft 10 1/2 in)
Width 290 cm (9 ft 6 1/4 in)
Figure 6-58. 15,000 galUS Rubber-Lined Acid Tank
Butyl-Lined Tank
Tank capacity 22,700 I (6,000 galUS)
Weight, empty 6.8 t (15,00 lbm)
Weight, full 34 t (75,000 lbm)
Length 732 cm (24 ft)
Height 290 cm (9 ft 6 in)
Width 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Figure 6-59. 6,000 galUS Butyl-Lined Acid Tank
54 | Acid Storage

• tank-in-a-tank: used for many International acid but any acid must be neutralized and
Maritime Organization (IMO) offshore the tanks and lines must be well cleaned
tanks. This lining is a rotationally molded after every job.
crosslinked polyethylene tank that is
formed inside the steel tank. Because the
polyethylene shrinks when it cures, an
Note:
annulus is formed between the liner and
Other materials are sometimes
the steel. This annulus is then filled with
used, but check with the supplier
spray-in foam insulation. The advantage
for compatibility with acids and
of this lining is that it is resistant to most
other fluids used before filling a
chemicals. However, it does not tolerate
tank made of some other material.
vacuum or high pressures well, limits the
number of openings in the tank, prohibits
baffles, is costly for large tankers, and is
difficult to repair. Also, if xylene is stored
in it for prolonged periods, xylene vapors 6.2.4 Pipe work and valves
can penetrate the lining and collect in the The recommended pipe work for use
annulus. with hydrochloric acid is made from
• bonded crosslinked polyethylene: much fiberglass‑reinforced plastic (FRP). The valves
more expensive than the vinyl ester lining, are fiberglass composite valves.
but will last for a very long time with little
maintenance. It can be applied to storage For stationary acid tanks, all piping and valves
tanks as large as 10,000 galUS and can be must be independently supported. The pipe
used to store all fluids. work should not be rigid; some flexibility is
required to counter expansion/contraction
• vinyl ester lining material: wide variety of effects.
these coatings available. The particular
type should be checked for compatibility Weather-exposed water lines must be heat
with fluids to be used. The tank preparation traced and insulated where hard freezes are
and application method must be possible.
professional to ensure quality. These linings
tend to be quite brittle and can be damaged
easily, but field repairs are possible. These 6.3 Fume scrubber
materials are primarily used for transport HCl gas and mist emissions must be controlled
tanks; they should not be used to store because they have a corrosive effect on human
concentrated acids for extended time tissue, potentially damaging respiratory organs,
periods (more than 2 to 3 days). eyes, skin, and intestines. The fumes are also
○ Ceilcote Flakeline® very corrosive to equipment and buildings.
○ Derakane® 411
○ Tnemec #120
○ ChemLINE 784/32™ oxirane polymer.
• stainless steel tanks: not suitable for storing
acid. Hydrochloric acid will destroy the
passivating layer of the stainless steel.
Stainless steel tanks can be used to mix

Therefore, an acid fume scrubber (Figs. 6-60 A scrubber recirculation pump (e.g., a Marsh
and 6-61) should be used to prevent acid fumes TE-7K-MD, Series 7 seal-less magnetic drive
from venting into the atmosphere while the acid centrifugal pump as shown in Fig. 6-62) is used
tank is being filled, acid is being transferred, to ensure that the scrubber tower packing is
or normal venting from the storage tank is wetted. During acid fill and transfer operations,
occurring. the pump should be run continuously to
ensure proper scrubbing of the fumes. During
normal venting, the pump should be set to
run 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours when the
temperature is above 32 degF. At temperatures
below 32 degF, the pump should run frequently
enough that water does not freeze in the pipe.
Figure 6-60. Acid Fume Scrubber
Spray head Figure 6-62. Marsh Pump Used for Fume Scrubber
12-in OD 6.3.1 Absorber

pipe: Fill with
polypropylene Spray inlet
The absorber scrubs vent gas from 36% HCl
saddles
storage tanks during filling and when tank
vapors thermally expand. It has the following
Gas inlet features and functions.
Overflow (1 in) from HCI
tanks (4 in)
To mix or
Spray glass
Water holding • The maximum recommended gas flow rate
fill inlet tank
(2 in) into the absorber is 150 cfm. The tower
Polyethylene base
Fume scrubber
circulation C-pump
floods at a gas rate of 325 cfm.
Water outlet on mounting plate
Gravity drain (1 in) (1 in)
• The absorber tower is 12-in diameter with
Figure 6-61. Schematic of Acid Fume Scrubber 9 ft of 1-in polypropylene pall ring packing.
• The absorbing liquid is recirculated from
The acid fumes enter the bottom of the the absorber integral storage sump to
scrubber tower and are absorbed into water as create an HCl solution that is periodically
the fumes travel upward and removed from the replaced. The absorbing liquid recirculation
air. flow is 8 galUS/min.
56 | Acid Storage

• The absorber will scrub with an efficiency near the acid tanks except in the revetment. A
of 99% when the scrubbing liquid float valve keeps the tank filled. A 6-in air break
temperature is below 122 degF and the HCl between the fill line and the maximum water
concentration is below 22%. level is required.
• The scrubbing liquid should be changed
out when the HCl concentration reaches
22%. The absorber efficiency is a function Note:
of the opening temperature and the HCl The water for the eye washes and
concentration in the absorber sump. yard hydrants must not be taken
Efficiency decreases with an increase from the water tank used to supply
in temperature and with an increase in the acid plant.
HCl concentration. A graph showing
the removal efficiency versus HCl
concentration in the sump is shown in
A process water pump is used to provide water
Fig. 6-63.
to the mix/transfer system and the acid fume
scrubber.
Note:
A log of absorbing liquid HCl
concentration and change-out
6.5 Acid mix/transfer tank
frequency should be kept to The acid mix/transfer tank is a 6,800-galUS,
assure that the absorber scrubbing cone-bottom, HDPE tank (see Fig. 6-64).
efficiency is maintained. The inlet piping enters the top and extends
downward to half the height of the tank. A
single 200-gpm centrifugal pump is used to
transfer water and acid to the mix tank, mix
the contents of the tank, pump water through
the dry additive feed process, and pump the
finished product to the transport truck. The
various functions of the pump can be controlled
and metered using a batch flowmeter.
Figure 6-63. Fume Scrubber Absorption Efficiency
6.4 Water storage

The water storage tank should be a
10,000-galUS tank and may be constructed of
HDXLPE or steel. It can be located any place

SERVICE MARK
Manway w/blind A
Outlet B
Inlet dip tube C
Spare w/blind D
Vent E
Relief F
Rinse water G
Level switch H
Inlet dip pipe J
Figure 6-64. Acid Mix Tank
6.6 Liquid additive system

The liquid additive storage and feed system
consists of up to 10 polyethylene tote tanks of
330-galUS capacity each. The required number Figure 6-65. Liquid Additive Tank (Huff II Tank)
will vary depending on the district’s needs.
A 30-galUS/min air diaphragm pump such as
Hoover Materials Handling Group’s the Wilden Pump (see Section 6.9.2.2) is used
TuffTank II IBC tanks are recommended to transfer the additives. A batch-controller flow
(see Fig. 6-65). These combine a rotationally meter is used for measuring and controlling the
molded high-density polyethylene bottle and liquid additive feed. The liquid additives can be
heavy-duty wire mesh cage with a 2-in valve pumped into the mix tank or fed directly to a
on the suction. They are available in 220- and transport. The tote tanks can also be filled by
330-galUS capacities. the liquid additive feed pump.
6.7 Dry additive system

In some locations it will be necessary to mix
dry powder additives with the acid. A schematic
of a typical dry additive mixer is shown in
Figure 6-66.
58 | Acid Storage

6.9.1 Pressure transfer
In some installations such as the stimulation
boats and some acid storage plants, low air
Dry additive hopper pressures are used to transfer acid from tank
to tank, from tank to transporter, or from tank
45 min
to acid blender. See Section 10.2 for a generic
Manual feed procedure.
control valve
Liquid inlet Mixed product outlet Note:

All tanks and equipment used
in the transfer of acid using
compressed air, such as tote tanks,
Figure 6-66. Dry Powder Mixer
acid tanks, and transfer lines must
be designed, built, and tested as
pressure vessels with working
6.8 Pipe work, valves, and fittings
safety pressure relief valves
Pipe work, valves, and fittings must be acid (PRVs).
resistant; therefore, they are normally fabricated
from PVC. A wide range of fittings and valves
are available. Some of the older acid plants
may have steel, rubber-lined lines and valves.
Caution:
The standard FMC butterfly valves are used in Safety risks are inherently
acidizing operations. associated with using air pressure
to transfer acid. Well-documented
operating and maintenance
procedures must be in place and
Note: a HARC should be performed to
These valves need to be checked address the added risks involved
regularly for corrosion and swelling/ using acids under pressure.
deterioration of the rubber seats.
More expensive Kynar discs, Hypalon seats, 6.9.2 Transfer pumps

and other parts are available for use in
corrosive fluids. Several acid-resistant pumps from different
suppliers are used to transfer acid. These
pumps must be well maintained to ensure
6.9 Acid transfer good performance and help prevent leakage of
hazardous materials. The most commonly used
Acid transfer operations require special
pumps are described in the following sections.
equipment.

6.9.2.1 Delasco LZ-50 pump through the tube with each rotating motion. The
tube opens to its natural state after the roller
The skid-mounted, diesel-driven Delasco passes and fluid flow is induced to the pump.
pump is a positive displacement pump used for This process is called peristalsis. Flow rate is
transferring acids and other fluids. It is typically proportional to the rotation of the rollers.
mounted in a protective/lifting skid with forklift
slots. The equipment code is SUS-239 (see The pump specifications follow:
Figs. 6-67 and 6-68).
• differential 1.5 bar
pressure:
• flow rate: 14 m3/h at 180 rpm
• temperature 4 to 195 degF
(EPDM tube):
• dimensions: 65.4 in L x 54.3 in W x
56.3 in H
• weight empty): 1144 lb
• engine: Diesel HATZ 1D41Z with

TECHNODRIVE clutch
• tube material: Injection-molded,
Figure 6-67. Delasco Pump (SUS239) ethylene-propylene-
diene-monomer (EPDM)
Connecting sleeve • connecting Five connections are
sleeve: available (serrated king
Rollers
(stainless steel)
nipple, threaded nipple
in stainless steel or
Rotor
polypropolene, or three
flnage connections in SS
Stator
or PPP).
Counter
The advantages of peristaltic pumps are that

Pump hose: EPDM
the fluid does not contact any internal parts and
injection moulded
tube with spine
seals and valves are not needed as in other
pumps. Peristaltic pumps are also reversible
Figure 6-68. Delasco Pump Schematic and can be flushed to clean out the tubing
or hose. Self priming is automatic on startup
The Delasco pump is a peristaltic pump, in and does not require any special equipment.
which a pressurized fluid flow is created by A flooded suction is only required for viscous
the rotation of stainless steel rollers pressing products. Occasional dry running is possible
against the outside of a special flexible tube in without damage occurring. The pumped liquid
a housing called a stator (see Fig. 6-67). The acts in fact as a lubricant and coolant for the
tube is compressed at a number of points in tube.
contact with the rollers and the fluid is moved
60 | Acid Storage

Maintenance Note:
Always have a spare tube available
and lubricate the tube regularly.
Do not leave the tube full of acid or
other chemicals. In cold weather
the fluid will freeze and you will risk
breaking the clutch when you try to
restart it.
The flexible tube is the only wearing part.

Maintenance is limited to regular lubrication.
When necessary, the tube can be changed
without dismantling the pump. Engine oil and
diesel filters must be changed on a regular
basis.
Figure 6-70. Wilden Pump Schematic
6.9.2.2 Wilden pump (SUS-271)
The Wilden P800 pump is used widely to pump It is a positive displacement, reciprocating,
acids, acid additives, and other fluids used in air-operated, double-diaphragm pump. Two
Schlumberger (see Figs. 6-69 and 6-70). diaphragms are connected to a common shaft
and act as a separation membrane between
the compressed air and the liquid. Two inlet
and two discharge check valves open and then
close to direct liquid flow. The air distribution
system alternately supplies air to the right side
and then the left side of the pump.
Its major components are
• wetted components: Water chambers

and manifolds that come into contact with
liquid are made from PVDF plastic. At
temperatures below 12 degC, Teflon® PFA
components should be considered.
• nonwetted components: The air distribution
system, air chambers, center block, and air
valve are made from polypropylene.
• elastomers: Diaphragms, check valves,
valve seats, and O-rings are all elastomers.
For the fluids used by Schlumberger, the
preferred material for the diaphragms are:
Figure 6-69. Wilden Pump (SUS-271)

○ Teflon® PTFE, which is rated for a
temperature range of 40 to 220 degF Note:
○ Viton®, which is rated for a temperature An air filter and lubricator with
range of –40 to 350 degF. needle valve and air regulator
should be used and regularly
maintained.
Note:
Viton diaphragms are very
expensive and should be only be Pump discharge rate can be controlled by
used if temperatures could drop limiting the volume and/or pressure of the air
below freezing. supply to the pump and/or by throttling the
pump discharge by partially closing a valve in
the discharge line of the pump.
The pump specifications follow:
When the pump discharge pressure equals
• inlet/outlet 2 in (50.8 mm) or exceeds the air supply pressure, the pump
diameter: will stop; no bypass or pressure relief valve is
needed and pump damage will not occur. The
• dimensions: 31.7 in H x 23.8 in W x pump can be restarted by reducing the fluid
13.9 in D discharge pressure or by increasing the air inlet
• flow rate: 0 to 624 lpm (164.9 gpm) pressure.
• max 8.6 bar (125 psi)

pressure: Note:
• max suction 8.7 m wet (28.4 ft) For maintenance, the pump should
lift capability: be well cleaned and emptied
after each job and the air filter
• max diameter 6.55 mm (1/4 in) and lubricator should be checked
solids: regularly. Spare diaphragms should
• air inlet: 13 mm (1/2 in) FNPT be kept in the location and ensure
the correct diaphragms are used for
the fluid(s) pumped.
The suction pipe size should be at least the
equivalent or larger than the diameter size of
the suction inlet, 2 in, on the Wilden pump.
The suction hose must be noncollapsible,
reinforced type because these pumps are
6.9.2.3 Other pumps
capable of pulling high vacuums. All ﬁttings and Many other pumps are used to pump acid and
connections must be airtight, or a reduction or other hazardous materials. Some of the most
loss of pump suction capability will result. frequently used ones are described in the
following:
Use air supply pressure up to a maximum of
125 psi. • Flowserve GRP centrifugal pump. This
pump is used on the BIGORANGE XVIII
(BOXVIII) stimulation vessel. It produces
approximately 300 galUS/min. The GRP
62 | Acid Storage

pumps have mechanical seals that are
water flushed and require very little
maintenance.
• Ramparts centrifugal pump. The
Ramparts centrifugal pump (model Pro-flo
4 in x 3 in) is an elastomer-lined (NordelTM)
centrifugal with a 80 Durometer impeller
used for transferring acids (see Fig. 6-71).
Figure 6-72. March Series-10 Centrifugal Pump
6.9.3 Standalone centrifugal pumps

A series of larger centrifugal pumps are
used on location to transfer, circulate, and
pressurize triplex pumps with inhibited acids.
Several models are available that use either the
standard Well Services RA5x6 or the RA10x12
Figure 6-71. Ramparts Acid Pump centrifugal pump.
• March Mfg. Comp: TE-10K-MD The SUS-264 skid-mounted, diesel-driven,

Centrifugal Pump (Series 10 - 210 gpm 10x12 centrifugal pump is driven by a
- AC Electric Motor). This pump is used 350-bhp Caterpillar (CAT) C9 diesel-powered,
as a transfer pump in acid bulk plants for 5 electronic-controlled engine.
to 35% HCl and other chemical solutions.
The casing and impeller are made of The SUS-235 is a CAT skid-mounted
carbon-filled Kynar plastic (PVDF) and diesel-driven RA 56 centrifugal pump
pump gaskets from Teflon. Flow rates (Fig. 6-73).
range from 50 galUS/min minimum to
210 gpm maximum. The electric motor
drive is a 10 HP, 230/460-V, three-phase,
totally enclosed chemical duty motor (see
Fig. 6-72).
Figure 6-73. SUS-235, RA5x6 Centrifugal Pump Skid

Maintenance of these centrifugal pumps is 6.11 Transfer hoses and connections
described in JET-4, Basic Oilfield Equipment.
Incorrectly used, poorly maintained, or
damaged hoses and hose connections used to
transfer acids are the main causes of acid leaks
Note: and related incidents.
It is important to perform STEM-1
maintenance checks on the pump The following describe important information
and engine before and after every and procedures to correctly use, maintain, and
job. Pay particular attention to inspect hoses and hose connections.
lubricating the pump to ensure
no acid or air leaks into the pump Connections
suction. Regular checks should be
made on the impeller, impeller lock,
and the volute for corrosion. Note:
Review WS Technical Alert
2000-33, Low pressure Fittings/
Connections (Camlok), InTouch
6.10 Liquid additive pumps Content ID# 3036459.
The SUS-533 liquid additive unit is a Waukesha
metering pump (Fig. 6-74). It is used for
pumping corrosive liquid additives from remote • Camlok fittings are only approved for use in
or day tanks. The pump speed is adjustable certain applications.
to obtained the variable flow rate required • The WECO Figure 206 union shown in
(0 to 0.06 gal/rev). Figure 6-75 is the standard union for use
in low-pressure acid transfer and liquid
additive hoses. The 206 union provides a
measure of safety that the Camlock union
is unable to provide. When breaking a
Figure 206 union, the union can separate
and relieve pressure while the threads of
the union are still engaged.
Figure 6-74. Liquid Additive Skid (SUS-533)
Before every job, a bucket test should be

performed to test the accuracy of the liquid
additive pumps. If you don’t know how to do a
bucket test, ask your supervisor.
Figure 6-75. Two-in WECO Figure 206 Union
64 | Acid Storage

• King nipples using bolt-on clamps should • Four-inch hoses: Suction and discharge
be used to secure connections to hoses. hoses with 4-inch Figure 206 unions are
They should not be made from aluminum or recommended by Schlumberger for use
other materials that react with acid. when transferring acids on location using
the standard centrifugal pumps.
Note:
The condition of the king nipples
Note:
and connections should be Regular checks must be performed
checked regularly for excessive on the condition of the hoses and
corrosion. connections for wear and corrosion.
They must be well flushed with
water and stored correctly after
• Two-inch hoses: Various hose types are use.
used to transfer acid and acid additives
(see Fig. 6-76 for an example). Some types
used with Delasco and Wilden pumps
are a PVC hose or layered hose with Hose covers (see Fig. 6-77) on the discharge
(UHMW/PE) inside and EPDM outside, and hoses are recommended for acid treatments.
with wire reinforcement. These will prevent acid or other hazardous
fluids from being sprayed all over the location if
a hose or connection failure occurs.
Note:
Care should be taken to ensure
these hoses are not crushed and
that they are well flushed with water
and then emptied after each use.
Figure 6-77. Four-in Orange Hose Covers on Discharge Lines
Figure 6-76. Hose for Wilden and Delasco Pumps

66 | Acid Storage

7.0 Acid Transport Equipment
Acid is transported to the job site from the Well

Services (WS) district in the concentrated form Note:
or premixed with water and additives added. Many transporters are also used
This is done in mobile transporters dedicated that are lined with rubber. Care
to hauling acids or in skid-mounted transport should be taken not to use them
tanks. for transporting inhibited acids
(the acid inhibitor will degrade the
The standard equipment used in Schlumberger rubber lining), and solvents such as
is described in the following sections. Filling xylene, U66, and diesel.
and discharge procedures are detailed in
Section 10. Operating Procedures.
7.1 Mobile acid transporter

The three standard acid transporters used in
Note:
Schlumberger uses three acid transporters, Refer to the lining manufacturer’s
recommendations for
the STF-151, STF-143, and STF-144 (shown
compatibilities of fluids.
in Figs. 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3). The specifications
are listed in Table 7-1. The trailers store liquid
additives or acids for transportation or use
during treatments. The gravity-flow discharge
outlets are located at the bottom rear of the
tank. Discharge line butterfly valves are remote
air-operated and the tanks are equipped
with a spring return relief valve. A fill and
recirculation manifold connects at the rear. A
vacuum breaker equalizes air pressure during
unloading operations. Manways are located at
the top of the tanks for performing maintenance
operations.
Figure 7-1. STF-151 Acid Transporter
Note:
The transporters have linings
that are not designed to store
concentrated acids for long periods
of time.

Figure 7-2. STF-144 Acid Transporter Figure 7-3. STF-143 Acid Transporter
Table 7-1. Specifications of Mobile Acid Tankers

General Specifications STF-151 STF-143 STF-144
Tank Capacity - Rear 4,000 galUS (15,140 L) 2,500 galUS 1,667 galUS (6,306L)
Tank Capacity - Middle - - 1,667 galUS (6,306L)
Tank Capacity - Front 4,000 galUS (15,140 L) 2,500 galUS 1,667 galUS (6,306L)
Tank Material 1/4-in carbon steel
Tank Liner Vinyl Ester Rotationally molded polyethylene
Regulatory Specs. US DOT 412
Trailer
Type Fifth wheel, tri-axle Fifth Wheel, tandem axle Fifth wheel, dual axle
Length 480 in (12,190 mm) 480 in (12,190 mm) 470 in (11,938 mm)
Width 96 in (2,438 mm) 96 in (2,438 mm) 96 in (2,438 mm)
Height 148 in (3,759 mm) 132 in (3,553 mm) 133 in (3,378 mm)
Kingpin Height 51 in (1,295 mm) 51 in (1,295 mm) 49 in (1,244 mm)
Weight (estimated) 17,700 lbm (8,045 kg) 20,000 lbm (9,090 kg)
Tires 11R22.5 (12) 11R22.5 (8) 275/70 R22.5 (8)
Manway One for each compartment
Hose Racks Curb side
Discharge Line 6-in line with 3 rear connections
Fill & Recirculation Line Single 3-in line, curb side rear
Vacuum Breaker Standard: equalizes air pressure during unloading operations
Pressure Relief Valve Standard: spring return
Butterfly Valve Standard FMC Weco: remote air-operated
Working Pressure 12 psi (0.8 bar)
Design Pressure 24 psi (1.6 bar)
Test Pressure 36 psi (2.4 bar)
Option-1 3 compartments in lieu of 2 - 2 compartments in lieu of 3
Option-2 Oversized tyres with spread - -
axles
Option-3 Arctic insulation package (to -40 degF/C) -
68 | Acid Transport Equipment

7.2 Acid transport tanks 7.2.1 SSS-111/SSS-121 acid transport tank
Many different types and sizes of tanks are The two standard Schlumberger tanks
used to transport acid in smaller volumes are the skid-mounted intermodal tanks,
(500 to 2,000 galUS) to offshore and remote which come in two sizes: SSS-111 with a
locations or when smaller acid volumes are capacity of 1,000 galUS (see Fig. 7-4) and
required on location. Various names are used the SSS-121 with a capacity of 2,000 galUS
for these tanks: (see Fig. 7-5). These are corrosion-resistant,
tank-in-a-tank construction built to Standard
• Safraps A.B.S. certification to DOT Spec IM 101. They
have a 3/16-in carbon steel outer skin and a
• carboys
1/2-in crosslinked polyethylene inner liner. The
• intermodal tanks annulus between the tank and the liner is filled
• IMO/IMDG Tanks (conforming to the with high-density polyethylene foam.
International Maritime Organization and
International Maritime Dangerous Goods The fill and discharge outlets are located at
shipment requirements) the top of the tanks. An air unloading system
pressurizes the tank for discharging material.
• acid transport tanks or container tanks. Working pressure is 25 psi with rupture disc
The smaller-volume tanks can be made from and relief valve pressure protection devices.
fiberglass or PVC mounted in a protective lifting A manway is located at the top of the tank for
cage. Steel tanks can be lined with rubber or a performing maintenance operations.
vinyl ester coating in a protective transport skid
or the intermodal type of tank-in-a-tank design. The heavy-duty skid has forklift slots and lifting
eye connections on the top. The 1,000-galUS
skids are designed to stack on top of each
other.
Figure 7-4. 1,000 galUS Acid Transport Tank (SSS-111)

7.2.3 Safety devices on transport tanks
See Figure 7-7 for examples of the safety
devices that should be present on acid
transporter and tanks to help prevent the
unplanned discharge of acid and damage to
equipment and/or the environment.
• protective frame: Tanks are skid-mounted

with a crash frame to prevent damage to
the tank.
• dome guard and drain hose: The hatch
and manway area is protected with a
rubber-lined, raised lip that acts as a
containment area for acid spills. A drain
hose is normally connected to this area,
allowing acid to fall to the ground. This area
Figure 7-5. 2,000 galUS Acid Transport Tank (SSS-121) must be cleaned with fresh water when
contaminated.
7.2.2 Containerized transport tanks • Blind caps: All discharge and fill lines must
be equipped with blind caps, which must be
Acid tanks in a container frame (see Fig. 7-6)
attached to the line with a chain.
are used for transporting acid offshore in large
volumes.
Caution:
Use caution when opening the cap
because hazardous vapors or mist
may be expelled.
• vent lines: Tanks must be equipped with

a vent line for the air supply and to relieve
any pressure that may build up inside the
tank during storage and transport.
Figure 7-6. Containerized Acid Transport Tank

2-in butterfly valve(teflon GITS pop-off
cover with 316 SS disc and valves (12-psi)
8-in hatch Viton sear and gauge
Air regulator
and gauge
Air vent
(1-in ball valve)
Air input
20-in manyway with
Viton gasket
3-in Girard GE-IMF44 relief
valve (64-psi) and gauge
with rupture disc (70-psi)
3-in discharge line

with cap
3-in butterfly valve
Figure 7-7. Top Hatch of SSS-111 Acid Tank with Safety devices
• pressure gauges: A pressure gauge • relief valve: This valve will relieve pressure
must be included, to monitor air pressure that builds up inside the tank into the vent
supplied when unloading the tank and a line. The type of valve and its setting will
pressure gauge to monitor vapor pressure depend on the tank type.
inside the tank.
Note: Note:
Before opening the cap, verify The relief valve must be checked
that there is no positive pressure regularly as described in WS MB
indicated on the relief valve gauge. Section VII: # 625-E: Pressure
Any positive pressure reading Vessel and Relief Valve Inspection
indicates that the rupture disc has and Test Procedures.
failed and needs to be replaced.
STOP and notify supervisor before
continuing. • rupture disc (also known as a burst disc):
This disk is a non-reclosing pressure
relief device, which provides a leak-tight

seal. If a vessel’s internal pressure rises
to a predetermined level, the rupture
disc bursts, providing an instantaneous,
unobstructed full relief of pressure. The
disc must be replaced after such a relief.
Caution:
The settings of the relief valve and
burst disc type and rating must be
according to tank manufacturer’s
recommendations. DO NOT
change them.

8.0 Acid Tank and Transport
Equipment Maintenance
Many different kinds of tanks are used to store • Before performing any hot work inside the
and transport acids. Proactive maintenance tank, confirm that no gases or flammable
on the tanks and all related equipment is fumes are present.
necessary to prevent failures and the possibly
• Relieve all pressure from equipment and
catastrophic consequences of failure, and to
lines before attempting repairs.
increase their useful lifespan.
• Do not tamper with safely valves.
This section covers the basic maintenance • Repair all leaks as soon as possible.
checks that should be performed. Many
locations will have location-specific • All replacement parts and accessories
maintenance checks that must be performed. must be clean and suitable for use at the
Check with your local Maintenance Department. temperature and pressure of the intended
service.
Note:
Review the WS Safety Standards:
No. 4, General Facility and
Note:
Workshop, No. 12, Permit to Work Because hazardous materials
System, and No. 15, Lockout/ are stored and transported in
Tagout of Hazardous Energy these tanks, and some tanks are
Sources before performing any defined as pressure vessels, some
maintenance. inspections and certifications will
need to be performed by approved
third-party inspectors in compliance
Before starting any work or inspection with local regulations (e.g., DOT or
remember the following: IMDG/ADR).
• All required PPE must be worn.

• Review previous STEM 1 inspection
reports. 8.1 Tank maintenance
• Tanks must be empty and isolated from Tanks must be maintained according to the
any delivery systems, which could fill or following procedures.
pressurize, the tanks.
• Tank manways or entrances must be Note:
maintained clear at all times. Each location should establish
• Before entering the tank, ensure that air frequency of checks depending on
monitoring has been carried out. activity levels and usage of tanks.

8.1.1 External vessel • Check the manway hatch and ensure it
seals properly. Inspect the lid gasket for
The external vessel must regularly be checked/ tears, rips, or worn spots.
maintained as follows:
• Check to ensure the dome guard drain
• Regularly check the cleanliness of the hose is not blocked or damaged. This hose
vessel. Wash and clean as required. is fitted to a hole in the side of the guard
around the dome lid. The hose runs down
• Check for obvious signs of damage to the
the side of the tank to the bottom. Any
outer jacket, such as dents, pitting, or rust.
spills around the dome lid are confined and
Damage such as this could indicate that
fall down through this hose.
the internal lining of the tank has been
damaged. • Ensure that the tank is not venting
excessively or has a pressure buildup.
• For polyethylene tanks, check for cracking,
crazing, and brittle appearance. Check • Ensure all pipe work is secure on the tank.
carefully the areas around fittings where Ensure drip trays, if present, are fitted and
different planes of the tanks join. secure.
• Check the condition of the paint on the • Ensure that level indicators, if present, are
vessel and pipe work. Clean, repair, and clean, working, and leak free. Repair any
paint as required. leaks.
• Check hazardous warning and capacity
labels/signs. 8.1.2 Pipe work and acid hose fittings
• Check for rust, pits, and leaks in welds (see The pipe work and acid hose fittings must be
example in Fig. 8-1). very carefully checked as follows:
• Ensure that acid is not trapped in any

hoses or connections.
• Check all valves for leaks. Check the
valves for ease of operation and that all
handles are fitted and indicate the correct
flow path. Ensure handle stops are in place.
• Ensure caps are fitted to connections.
• Check hoses, flanges, and gaskets for
leaks.
• Check supports for external piping and
plumbing.
• Check condition and stability of
Figure 8-1. Crack in Weld on Bottom Suction of a Transport
Trailer independent supports for pipe work and
valves to ensure some flexibility is possible.
• Check welds on the tank’s cradles or tank
supports, which could crack because of
fatigue, and check any tie-down bolts to
ensure they are tight.
74 | Acid Tank and Transportation Equipment Maintenance

8.1.3 Instrumentation • Details for cleaning the inside of acid
tanks before entry are given in MB#130C.
Instrumentation must be checked before each Follow these guidelines and the procedures
use. detailed in Well Services Safety Standard
No. 25 - “Confined Space Entry” (InTouch
• Check operation and condition of pressure
Content ID# 3313705) and No. 12 - “Permit
gauges, if the tank is fitted with them.
to Work” before any internal inspections of
Ensure that connections are not leaking
tanks are performed.
and the glass face is not broken.
• After each venting and cleaning, visually
• Check operation and condition of gauge
inspect the internal condition of the tank.
manifold valves.
8.1.5.1 Lined tanks

8.1.4 Tests and inspections
The majority of lining failures occur because of
The following checks should be performed
regularly. • storage or transport of incompatible
fluids. Check the manufacturer’s
• Confirm that the pressure relief valve’s
recommendations.
last certification/ test date is less than
12 months old. Also check the set pressure • striking of the lining with metal gauge sticks
of the pressure relief valves to confirm that and dropping hammers.
they are suitable for the application they Perform the following inspections and
are being used in. maintenance on lined tanks.
• Check date of installation and rating of
rupture disc. • Check all lap seams and lining for defects
caused by physical damage.
• Check any certification of tank (if required).
Is certification date still valid? • Inspect the lining surface for blisters and
looseness by sighting down the surface
8.1.5 Tank linings and interior with an explosion-proof drop light. These
defects will be seen as shadowed areas on
The linings and interior of the tanks should the lighted surface. See Figure 8-2 for an
be maintained as described in the following example of a blister.
guidelines.
• Test acid tank internal linings in accordance

with Dowell Maintenance Bulletin Number
Section VII—Number 130C (MB#130C).
The date of the test and the next test date
must be stamped onto the tank test plate.
The test results must be documented in a
STEM report and filed in the equipment file.
Note:
The integral linings test must be
performed once every 30 months.
Figure 8-2. Blister in Rubber Lining Wrongly Used to
Transport Solvents

• Look for cracks and check for possible • Ensure that drainage plugs are fitted and
contamination to lining by oil, extreme that plugs are closed before filling the tank.
hardness or softness, and loss of resilience
• Check access ladders and roof for
of the lining.
damage. Ensure any handrails are stowed
• If failure of the lining is suspected and/or for transit.
if major repair work has been carried out
• Replace Haz-Chem stickers as necessary.
on the vessel, the Holiday Spark Test
must be done. The procedures to do this • Ensure that 12-mm earth bosses are fitted
are described in Maintenance Bulletin and in good condition.
No. 120C. These tests must be performed • Inspect forklift lift points for damage.
by trained personnel.
• Make sure that all slings and shackles,
• If the results of the tests show a possible where fitted, are in place and that the test
fault in the tank lining (which would be date shown on the frame stamping plate
shown as positive ohmic reading during shows one full month remaining before the
test, proving conductivity), then a more next statutory examination is due.
in-depth test of the tank is required.
• Ensure the safety and inspection
• Spot patching is inadequate to seal a certification is complete and current.
modified section of the rubber lining.
• Ensure that fixed asset number stenciling is
• The lining in some vinyl ester-lined tanks legible from all sides.
can be repaired using special repair kits
from approved suppliers. In some cases, • Ensure that tare, pay, and gross weight
these repairs must be performed by trained stenciling are clearly visible.
personnel. Check with your maintenance
supervisor when in doubt. 8.2 Trailer and tractor
The trailer and tractor hauling the tank need to
8.1.5.2 Unlined tanks be well maintained.
Check for rust, pits, and cracks in and near
welds. • Check previous STEM 1 of tractor and
trailer.
• Perform STEM 1 check on the tractor (see
8.1.5.3 Polyethylene tanks Fig. 8-3): Check oil and water levels; fan
It is important that the inside and outside of belts; condition of air, fuel, and oil hoses;
the tank are clean. Use a bright light source to air and electrical systems; cleanliness; and
inspect the interior of the tank for cleanliness, fuel tank level. Correct any discrepancies.
from the manway cover.
8.1.6 Crash frame, skid, and lift points

The following describe minimum maintenance
requirements for the crash frame, skid, and lift
points.
• Check skid or frame for damage.

• Wash, repair, and paint as necessary.

• Ensure that correct transport decals,
placards, and labels are properly used and
clearly visible.
Note:
Any modifications to equipment
are to be done via Equipment
Modification Request (EMR) and
approved by management of area.
Figure 8-3. STEM 1 Check on Tractor

8.3 Additional testing and inspection
• Trailer hook-up and condition (Fig. 8-4): Additional test requirements and procedures
Check hoses, glad-hand connections, for tanks or transporters used to store and
fifth‑wheel connection, and trailer lights. transport hazardous fluids are detailed in
the following WS Maintenance Bulletins and
Technical Alerts.
• Section VII: # 130-C: Acid Storage Tank

Facilities – Inspection and Maintenance
Procedures
• Section: VII, # 979 – Intermodal Portable
Tank: Periodic Inspection and Testing
Requirements
• Section VII: # 978 – Marine Portable
Tank: Periodic Inspection and Testing
Requirements
• Section VII: # 691C – DOT Cargo
Figure 8-4. Prejob Check of Trailer Tank Periodic Inspection and Testing
Requirements
• Tires: Check air pressure and condition of • Section VII: # 767 – Mothball Procedure
tires of tractor and trailer. Are chock blocks Rubber lined Acid Storage Tanks
available and used when the unit is parked.
• Section VII: # 785 – DOT Spec. 57 (Metal)
• Check that all lock nuts are in place and and 34 (Plastic) (Tote) Tank Inspection and
tight. Testing Procedure
• Ensure that all safety and regulatory • Section VII: # 625-E: Pressure Vessel
paperwork is available. and Relief Valve Inspection and Test
• Ensure that all safety equipment is Procedures
available and in good condition. • Section VII: # 1007: Acid Tank Upgrades

• Maintenance Bulletin 1109 MUST DO,
InTouch Content ID# 3036784
• WS Technical Alert 2000-33: Low pressure
Fittings/Connections (Camlok)
8.4 Acid plant housekeeping and

maintenance
Routine inspection and maintenance of the
equipment and facilities in the acid bulk plant
should be performed and documented. The
frequency and detail of these inspections
should be established by management of the
location. Maintenance procedures should be
based on manufacturer’s recommendations.
Whenever a defect is identified, it should be

repaired immediately and the repairs performed
should be documented.
A checklist to aid in the housekeeping and

maintenance of acid plant equipment is given in
Figures 8-5 and 8-6.
8.5 Reporting and documentation

The following reporting and documentation, at a
minimum, needs to be completed.
• Complete STEM 1 report for all equipment

checked and file reports in the equipment
files.
• Report any outstanding repairs orders to
maintenance department.
Attach green tag to each item inspected if it is
ready for the next job. Attach a red tag if the
item requires further maintenance.

Figure 8-5. Acid Plant Housekeeping and Maintenance Checklist

Figure 8-6. Acid Plant Housekeeping and Maintenance Checklist, Page 2

9.0 Acid Mixing Procedures
and Calculations
Before any acid mixture can be prepared, it is to the proper amount of water and additives
necessary to calculate the correct volumes of (liquid or solid) to strengths of 5 to 28% HCl.
water, concentrated acid, and additives.
The formula to calculate the amount of
The basic mixing procedure for all acid systems concentrated acid that is needed to make a
is as follows. required volume of dilute acid is
Step 01 Put required volume of water in

mix tank.
Step 02 Add corrosion inhibitor and Note:

inhibitor aid.
The specific gravity of different acid
strengths can be found in tables
Step 03 Mix water and inhibitors in the Field Data Handbook and
thoroughly. Matrix Materials Manual.
Step 04 Add other acid additives and mix

thoroughly. Example: To prepare 5,000 galUS of 15% HCl
with 5 galUS/1,000 galUS A262 inhibitor and
Step 05 Add concentrated acid and mix 1 galUS/1,000 galUS F104 surfactant, with
thoroughly. concentrated acid of 34%, perform the following
calculation:
Specific mixing procedures for different acid
systems at the acid bulk plant or on location are SG 15% HCl = 1.0749
detailed in Section 10.
SG 34% HCl = 1.1709
Vol Conc. 5000 × 15 × 1.0749

Note: =
Acid 1.1709 × 34
The Matrix Materials Manual is
referenced throughout this section:
see InTouch Content ID# 4013354. Volume Conc. Acid = 2,025 galUS 34% HCl
A262 Corrosion Inhibitor = 5 x 5 = 25 galUS

needed
9.1 HCl-specific calculations
Concentrated HCl is normally supplied at F103 Surfactant = 5 x 1 = 5 galUS needed
concentrations of 33 to 36%. This concentration
is then diluted to the desired strength by adding

Table 9-1. Acetic Acid Preparation
Note: To Make 1000-galUS
Subtract the corrosion inhibitor Acetic Acid SG @ Solution
Concentration 68 degF L400 L401
volume and the volume of all other
(galUS) (galUS)
additives from the fresh water
volume. 2% 1.0012 19 26
3% 1.0025 25 39
4% 1.004 38 52
The volume of mix water should be reduced 5% 1.0055 48 65
by the volume of corrosion inhibitor and other 6% 1.0069 58 78
additives to be used, i.e., consider the total
7% 1.0083 67 91
volume of water + additives as the mix-water
8% 1.0097 77 104
volume.
9% 1.0111 87 117
Volume water = (5000 – 2025) – (25 + 5) 10% 1.0125 97 130
11% 1.0139 106 144
= 2,945 galUS = 70.12 bbl 12% 1.0154 116 157
9.2 Acetic acid

Acetic acid concentrations can be prepared as Note:
shown in Table 9-1 using the indicated amounts Subtract the corrosion inhibitor
of stabilizing agents L400 or L401. volume and the volume of all other
additives from the fresh water
Remember that you use L400 to make glacial volume.
acetic acid solution, or L401 to make a low
freezing point acetic acid solution.
To mix,
All concentrations of acetic acid from 2 to 12%
require the same concentration of inhibitor for a
1. Add approximately half the water to the
specific temperature.
mix tank.
2. Add the inhibitor(s).
3. Add the L400 or L401 and mix

thoroughly.
4. Add and mix the remaining mix water.
9.3 Mud acid (HF + HCl)

Mud acid is a mixture of inhibited HCl and HF. It
can be prepared in one of three ways:
• By blending a 20% solution of HF with

HCl and water. Section 3, Appendix A,
82 | Acid Mixing Procedures and Calculations

of the Matrix Materials Manual shows • By mixing concentrated HCl with HF 20%
the components necessary to prepare (H200): See Section 3.3.5.2 of the Matrix
1,000 galUS of various mud acid solutions Materials Manual.
using H200 (20% HF), water, and various
• By mixing HCl/HF Acid 25/20 H152 as a
concentrations of HCl.
component with Y001. See Section 3.3.5.3
• By diluting a storage mixture solution of of the Matrix Materials Manual.
25% HCl + 20% HF solution with water and
Example calculations for mixing clay acid are
HCl. Section 3, Appendix B, of the Matrix
also presented in Section 3.3.6 of the Matrix
Materials Manual provides the volumes
Materials Manual.
and strengths of HCl and H152 (25% HCl +
20% HF) needed to prepare different
strengths of 1,000 galUS of dilute mud 9.5 Other acids
acid.
Determination of mix components for other acid
• By dissolving intensifier Y001 in HCl acid to systems can be found in the Matrix Materials
obtain the desired concentration. Section 3, Manual (see InTouch Content ID# 4013354).
Appendix C, of the Matrix Materials
Manual shows the components necessary
to prepare 1,000 galUS of various mud 9.6 AcidMIX Formulator
acid solutions using Y001 (ammonium Acid mixing calculations can also be
bifluoride). The expansion factor for Y001 performed using the Schlumberger website at
when dissolved in water is 0.0933 galUS/ e-Engineering Solutions:
lbm of Y001 added. Section 3, Appendix D,
of the Matrix Materials Manual shows http://e-engineering.sugar-land.oilfield.slb.com/
the equations used to calculate the
components required to prepare mud acid. The acid mixing calculations determine the
amounts of the various components necessary
to generate the specified volume of the acid
Caution: listed, including additives. The majority of
Because of the dangerous Schlumberger acid systems can be calculated.
properties of HF and Y001, special A maximum of four fluid systems can be
safety precautions must be taken formulated at the same time.
when mixing and handling these
acids (see Section 10.1). The sequence to perform a calculation is as
follows (see also Figs. 9-1 to 9-4):
• Describe the acid system (HCl,

9.4 Clay acid
HCl-HF, SXE, etc.) and enter bottomhole
The various clay acid systems can be prepared temperature (BHT), type of tubulars to be
using one of three methods: used, and whether H2S is present or not.
• By mixing concentrated HCl with Y001 • Give volume and strength of dilute
(ammonium bifluoride): See Section 3.3.5.1 acid required and the strength of the
of the Matrix Materials Manual. concentrated acid to be used.
• Specify the type of acid additives in the
system.

• Specify the additive concentrations.
The results will be calculated and presented
on screen or as an Excel spreadsheet and a
load-out sheet.
Using the example for HCl in Section 9.1, the

results shown in Table 9-2 were generated by
AcidMIX* Formulator.
Table 9-2. AcidMIX Formulator Calculation Output
System 1: 5,000 galUS – HCI – 15

Mixing Instructions
Product QTY per 1,000 Total QTY (galUS)
code
HCI 405 2,025
Water 589 2,945
A262 5 25
F104 1 5
Total volume = 5,000 galUS
Acid density 9.0 lbm/galUS

Figure 9-1. AcidMIX Formulator Input Screen 1
Figure 9-2. AcidMIX Formulator Input Screen 2


10.0 Operating Procedures
Generic operating procedures for transporting, Fall protection may also be required if
transferring, and mixing acid are given in the working on top of tanks.
following sections. These procedures will vary
from one district to another, depending on the 2. Spill control equipment must be
equipment used, the acid and additive types, available, the location should have a
and the location (acid bulk plant or wellsite). Spill Response Plan, and personnel
must have been trained in treating spills.
Acid mixtures can be prepared at the bulk plant A supply of neutralizing agent (e.g.,
and transported to the wellsite, where they soda ash for HCl) must be available in
are either transferred to acid storage tanks or sufficient quantities to neutralize the
remain in the transport tanks. The acid mixture maximum possible spillage. A water
will then be pumped from the tanks when the supply must be available near the
job is performed. storage or mixing site to dilute and flush
any neutralized spillage.
Concentrated acid and the additives may be
delivered separately to the job site, where they 3. All personnel should be up to date in the
are prepared and mixed with water to provide required Well Services and OFS safety
the required acid mixture. training.
4. All personnel should have received

Note: operations training and be deemed
Personnel should ask local competent in the tasks they are
management to explain the proper required to perform. Any trainees will be
use of local loading facilities and assigned a mentor.
mixing procedures.
5. A risk assessment must be performed
and reviewed with all personnel involved
for each operation. Contingencies must
10.1 Nine requirements be discussed. Personnel should sign off
attendance at this review.
In all these procedures, the following nine
requirements must be understood before any 6. Transferring chemicals should only take
operation is performed. place through the use of closed system
transfer pumps. Chemicals must not
1. Correct PPE must be worn by all be added with open top buckets. All
personnel. Safety equipment (shower, transfer pumps and equipment shall be
eye wash, and so on) must be available flushed with water after use.
and have been function tested before
the operation begins. Review the 7. All personnel involved must be assigned
MSDSs to determine the PPE required. responsibilities for which they are
trained and understand.

8. STEM 1 maintenance checks must be Step 06 Verify the storage tank to be
performed on all equipment and the connected to, and confirm the fluid level (with
equipment must be green tagged to measuring stick or using tank level indicator).
indicate no maintenance or repair is Subtract the amount already in the tank from
currently required. the capacity of the tank, and confirm that the
result is equal to or more than the amount you
9. Equipment used to store, transport, and plan to unload into the tank.
mix acid must be clean and rust-free.
Acid from a supplier generally contains
<180 ppm iron. Higher concentrations Step 07 Confirm that the acid storage
of iron and other organic and inorganic tank vent line is open and lined up to the fume
compounds that can be picked up from scrubber.
dirty equipment will have a detrimental
effect on the stimulation treatment. Step 08 Confirm that the fume scrubber is
working: check water level and ensure that the
pump is on.
10.2 Transferring acid from supply
transporter to bulk plant Step 09 Rig up the hoses to connect the
Transferring acid from an acid supply tanker/transporter to the fill-up line on the acid
transporter to the acid bulk plant storage facility storage tank. Trace out the line completely
requires the following procedure. from the delivery truck to the receiving tank.
Check the condition of the hoses, lines, and
connections.
Step 01 Ensure the nine requirements
listed in Section 10.1 are complete.
Step 10 Line up valves and transfer hoses,
and using water, pressure test the discharge
Step 02 Park the acid supply transporter line/hose. Repair any leaks.
on a curbed and sloped loading slab, stop
the engine, and place chock blocks under the
wheels.
Step 11 Prepare the transporter to transfer
the acid, and confirm that the valve positions
are correct.
Step 03 Set up warning signs such as
“Danger—Acid Loading” or warning tape and
secure the loading area.
step 12 Transfer the acid using the
appropriate procedure:
Step 04 If flammable fluids are to be 12a. Using a transfer pump procedure

transferred, then ensure that the fill pipe has
an electrical ground connection and ground the 1. Start and prime the pump and confirm it
tanker to the ground point. functions.
Step 05 Take a sample of the acid 2. Ensure the vent on tanker or hatch is
delivered and measure its SG with a open.
hydrometer to confirm it is indeed the
concentration that was ordered. 3. Start to transfer acid slowly, checking
for leaks, and then increase the transfer
88 | Operating Procedures

rate. Confirm that the acid is discharging transporter should be observed during
into the storage tank. the entire unloading procedure
4. Occasionally check the fill gauge (sight 5. Slowly vent the tanker 10 to 15 minutes
glass or level indicator) to confirm that before the tanker is empty. When the
the tank is not about to overfill. tanker empties, it will vent through the
acid unloading line into the receiving
5. When discharging is almost complete, system. The hose will jump and the
slow down the transfer rate. sound of air rushing through will be
evident when the trailer is empty and
12b. Using air pressure procedure this venting begins.
1. Provision must be made to

accommodate the large volume of Note:
acid fume-laden air vented from the Do not use Schlumberger’s air
supply tank. It is critical to monitor supply to unload third-party vendor
the unloading process and to use the transporters that are equipped with
least amount of pressure possible to air compressors.
complete the transfer. Make sure the
vent line size is equal to or larger than
the tank fill and discharge lines.
2. Start air compressor on transporter and

Step 13 Monitor discharge and fill-up
piping/hoses for any leaks during the transfer. If
confirm that it is functioning. Check that
a leak occurs, shut the transfer down and flush
the safety relief valves have current
the line with fresh water. Repair the leak.
certification and are working. If the tank
has a relief valve, verify that no positive
pressure is indicated on the relief valve Step 14 When the transport is empty, shut
gauge. Any positive pressure reading down the air supply and close the fill-up line
indicates that the rupture disc has failed on the storage tank and discharge line on the
and needs to be replaced. Ensure that tanker.
the tanker vent and hatches are closed.
Step 15 Flush lines, valves, and pumps
3. Begin to slowly pressurize the tanker with water and close valves.
to the unloading pressure (refer to
the designed working pressure of the
tanker). Air pressure used to offload Note:
bulk acid can range from 5 to 20-psi When flushing acid out of lines,
depending on the system and distance valves, and pumps with fresh water,
of the tanker from storage tanks. An make sure you use a flush rate high
operator should be in attendance while enough to ensure all the acid is
pressure is building to observe any flushed out.
leaks or problems.
4. After the unloading air pressure is Step 16 Switch off the fume scrubber
attained and flow from the transporter pump and drain the scrubber.
to the acid storage tank is verified, the

Step 17 Disconnect the lines to the acid step 03 Secure the loading area. Place
transporter and remove any ground wire(s). warning signs such as “Danger—Acid Loading:
signs on all open sides of the tanker or tank
Step 18 Measure the fluid level in the acid being filled.
storage tank and confirm that the volume of
acid delivered is same as the volume that was step 04 Perform this safety checklist:
ordered.
1. Open the vent line before opening
hatches.
Step 19 Complete the required paperwork
and inventory management forms.
2. Visually inspect the inside of the
transport tanks for cleanliness and to
Step 20 Check whether any spills occurred ensure that they are empty. Check that
and clean them up as necessary. Perform the tanks are undamaged and all seals
any required housekeeping and a STEM-1 in place.
inspection of the equipment. Clean all the PPE
and store it properly. 3. Visually inspect fill and discharge lines,
connections, dome lids, and hoses for
10.3 Loading transporter or tank with damage.
concentrated acid from bulk plant 4. If the tank has a relief valve, verify that
Loading acid transporter or tanks with no positive pressure is indicated on the
concentrated acid from the bulk plant storage relief valve gauge. Any positive pressure
facility requires the following procedure. reading indicates that the rupture disc
has failed and needs to be replaced.
Note: STEP 05 Verify the acid plant storage tank

The acid-proof rubber-tank liner to be connected to and confirm the fluid level
and covering for fittings is fragile with a measuring stick or using the tank level
and easily damaged. Take care not indicator.
to damage the liner when sampling
or inspecting the tank. STEP 06 Take a sample of acid and
measure its SG with a hydrometer. This SG
should be reported on the loadout ticket and be
used to calculate the dilution ratios when mixing
step 01 Ensure the nine requirements dilute acid.
listed in Section 10.1 are met.
STEP 07 Check that the capacity of the
step 02 Park the acid transporter or tanks transport tanks is sufficient for the amount of
in the acid loading area (see Fig. 10-1). Stop the acid to be loaded-out.
truck engine and place chock blocks under the
wheels. STEP 08 Rig up the hoses to fill the tanker/
transporter from the acid storage tank.

Figure 10-1. Loading Acid at a Schlumberger Acid Plant in Mexico
sTEP 09 Line up the valves and using Note:

water, pressure test the discharge line/hose. Have a spill kit ready (i.e., soda
Repair any leaks. Set the valves for acid ash) to neutralize any spillage.
transfer from acid storage tank to transport
tank(s).
STEP 10 Start transferring acid slowly

to the transport tank. Confirm that acid is
Caution:
discharging into the transport tank. Check for Do not overfill tanks. The overflow
will discharge through the vent line.
leaks and then increase the transfer rate.
This discharge will create a siphon
STEP 11 Monitor the discharge and fill-up and produce a very rapid vacuum
in the tank, resulting in the tank
piping/hoses for any leaks during operation. If a
being drained.
leak develops, shut the transfer down and flush
line with fresh water. Repair the leak before
beginning the transfer again.

STEP 18 Check the acid tanks and/or
Note: transporter to ensure that all valves, protective
Transfer from one acid storage caps, and dome lids are properly closed for
tank at a time and open the suction transport.
valves from one tank only. If the 1. Ensure that correct warning plates and
discharge valves on two or more dangerous goods and product labels
tanks are opened at the same time, been put in place on tanks and to front
then there may not be sufficient and rear of transport vehicle. Ensure
revetment capacity to contain a spill that any old labels been removed.
from a break in the mix/transfer
suction or discharge piping. 2. Ensure that all tanks are properly
secured to the trailer.
STEP 12 Monitor level of acid transferred 3. Ensure that a complete STEM-1 check
into the transport tank(s) and slow down been performed on the tractor and
transfer rate when required level is approached. trailer.
Check acid level using tank level gauge(s) or
dipstick.
10.4 Preparing acid mixtures for
STEP 13 When the transport tank is filled
transport
with the required volume of acid, close storage Acid mixtures may be prepared in the acid mix
tank valve. Do not exceed stated capacity. tank at the bulk plant and then transferred to
the transport tank, or they can be prepared
STEP 14 Measure the fluid level in the acid directly in the transport tank (Fig. 10-2).
storage tank and confirm that the decrease
in volume is the same as the increase in the step 01 Ensure the nine requirements
volume in the acid transport tank(s). Flush lines, listed in Section 10.1 are met.
valves, and pumps with water and close the
valves.
step 02 Park the acid transporter or tanks
in the acid loading area (see Fig. 10-1). Stop the
STEP 15 Rig down, taking care for any truck engine and place chock blocks under the
unflushed areas in the treating lines and wheels.
equipment.
step 03 Secure the loading area. Place
STEP 16 Complete the required paperwork warning signs such as “Danger—Acid Loading:
and inventory management. signs on all open sides of the tanker or tank
being filled.
STEP 17 Perform any required
housekeeping and STEM-1 checks of
equipment. Clean and store all PPE. Check
whether any spills occurred and clean up as
necessary.

Figure 10-2. Mixing Acid in Acid Tanks in Congo
4. If the tank has a relief valve, verify that
no positive pressure is indicated on the
Note: relief valve gauge. Any positive pressure
The acid-proof rubber-tank liner reading indicates that the rupture disc
and covering for fittings is fragile has failed and needs to be replaced.
and easily damaged. Take care not
to damage the liner when sampling
or inspecting the tank. step 05 Clean, rust-free tanks must be
used to mix acid solutions. Confirm that the
tank is compatible with the acid solution you
plan to mix in it.
step 04 Perform this safety checklist:
1. Open the vent line before opening step 06 Take a sample of concentrated
hatches. acid and measure its SG with a hydrometer.
Confirm that the SG corresponds to the
2. Visually inspect the inside of the expected acid concentration.
transport tanks for cleanliness and to
ensure that they are empty. Check that step 07 Calculate the volume and
the tanks are undamaged and all seals concentration of each fluid to be loaded (water,
in place. acid, and additives) to give the total volume
required. Confirm that the tank in which the
3. Visually inspect fill and discharge lines, mixing is to occur is large enough for the
connections, dome lids, and hoses for expected final volume.
damage.
step 08 Confirm fluid levels with a
measuring stick or the tank level indicator of
1. the acid storage tank to be connected
2. water supply (tank or other).

step 09 Confirm additive levels and
function test liquid additive pump if additives are Note:
to be transferred using this pump. Perform a Monitor all lines for leaks during the
(bucket test) to confirm that the additive pump entire transfer and mixing process.
delivers accurate volumes of additives. If leaks occur, flush the lines with
water and repair.
Caution:
When water and some additives step 12 Circulate the mixture with the
are added to strong acids, large mixing pump thoroughly. Mixing can also be
amounts of heat are released that done using paddles, circulation pumps, or an air
can cause boiling of the water and lance.
result in hot acid splashing out of
the container. Acid or chemicals 1. Using an air lance may cause excessive
must be added to the water to allow foaming in acid systems containing
the heat to be dissipated in the foaming agents and some surfactants
water. and thus be considered too dangerous
for some acid systems, so it is not
recommended in these cases.
step 10 Load the volume of fresh water 2. A paddle tank may not be appropriate
necessary to prepare the desired quantity and if additives that may attack the seals of
concentration of acid into the acid mix tank. the paddles are used.
Note:
step 13 Add all other additives (e.g., F or
W agents; see Section 3.5) using a chemical
Remember that the volume of mix transfer pump, and mix thoroughly.
water must be reduced by the
volume of corrosion inhibitor and
other additives to be used. That step 14 Meter in the predetermined
is, add the total additive volume to volume of concentrated acid.
fresh water volume to obtain the
total mix-water volume. step 15 When the acid transfer is
complete, flush lines with fresh water and close
acid discharge and suction valves. Flush lines
with a small amount of water. This water will go
step 11 Add the proper amounts of in to the tank being loaded unless provisions
corrosion inhibitor and inhibitor aid to the mix have been made to divert flow elsewhere.
water. Shut down the additive pump if one was
used. step 16 Thoroughly mix the solution to
uniformly distribute the acid and all additives.
step 17 Take a sample of the mixed

acid and measure its SG with a hydrometer to
check that the end concentration is the desired
concentration.

step 18 Line up and connect the valves Each location should have specific written
and hoses to transfer acid mixture from acid instructions about mixing and loading mud acid,
mix tank to transporter/tank. Start slowly and taking into account the site-specific loading
verify acid transfer to tank. dock. Follow these principles in general:
step 19 Transfer the uniformly blended Step 01 Work at the dock level; stay off
acid to the transporting tank truck. trucks.
step 20 Flush all lines and pumps with step 02 All chemicals must be
fresh water and rig down fill-up lines to acid pumped through a closed system using a
transport tank(s). Take care for any unflushed remote‑controlled pump. Do not leave the pump
areas in the treating lines and equipment. unattended while it is on.
step 03 Ingredients must be added to

Note: a stationary mixing tank at the loading dock.
When flushing acid out of lines, Ingredients are to be added through fixed
valves, and pumps with fresh water, piping. An eductor should be installed in the fill
make sure you use a flush rate high line for adding solids.
enough to ensure all the acid is
flushed out.
step 04 Mixing must be done by jet
circulation (no paddle shafts to leak). Do not
use an air lance. No mixing should be done
step 21 Measure fluid levels in acid in the truck tanks. After mixing by circulation,
storage tank, water supply tank and liquid transfer the mud acid to the truck tank through
additive tanks and confirm volumes are same one hose.
as those required for acid mixture prepared.
step 05 Acid facilities should be
step 22 Complete the required paperwork constructed so that all lines can be flushed
and inventory management. with water and emptied by gravity into the
truck tanks. Drain all lines and hoses before
unhooking them or knocking unions loose.
step 23 Perform any required
housekeeping. Clean and store all PPE. Check
for spills and clean up as necessary. step 06 Keep all clothing and equipment
dry. Be sure nothing is spilled but water.
10.4.1 Special note: mixing mud acids step 07 Use only clean, fresh water for
containing HF mix water. Do not use seawater to prepare mud
acid.
Warning:
HF is highly corrosive to flesh.
Use extreme care while loading or
handling mud acid.

10.5 Transporting acid to job site 10.5.3 Driver competency
Once the required volume of concentrated acid The driver must be familiar with the particular
or acid mixture is loaded into the acid transport hazards associated with acids and, from this
tanker or tanks as described in Section 10.3, it knowledge, understand the recommended
must be transported to the wellsite location. relief and safety measures to be taken in an
emergency.
Hazardous materials can be transported safely
if all the necessary precautions and good
operating procedures are followed. 10.5.3.1 Driver training
Heavy Vehicle Drivers (Driver Training Level
2.3, Non Articulated, and 2.4, Articulated; and
10.5.1 Equipment condition DT2.2, 2.3, and DT2.4), as defined in the QHSE
A complete STEM-1 check must be performed Training and Certification Catalog, is mandatory
on the tractor, trailer, and acid tanks. This check for any employee who operates a heavy
is described in Section 8. vehicle.
10.5.2 Journey management 10.5.3.2 Environmental and human

The Schlumberger Journey Management and hazards
Driving Standard (SLB-QHSE-S001) should The driver must take every precaution to
be applied to all journeys. The need for the prevent acid escaping during loading, transport,
journey, the transport route and potential and unloading. No unauthorized modifications
hazards, weather conditions, convoy policies, should be made to design-approved tanks
driving hours, and communications must be and their filling and emptying devices. All the
reviewed. hoses, including the hose couplings, carried for
unloading the product must be made from an
If acid is being transported and bad weather acid-resistant material.
(for example, icy roads, snow, or poor visibility)
occurs, the vehicle must stop at the nearest
suitable parking area. The vehicle may only 10.5.3.3 Protective measures and rules of
continue its journey when the weather has conduct
improved. In some European countries, this is
obligatory for all hazardous substances. The driver must put on the prescribed PPE
and equipment before driving up to the tank
The driver must report all transport delays to filling/discharge points. Filling the road tanker is
the client as soon as possible, whether they usually carried out by acid bulk plant personnel.
are due to bad weather, breakdown, or other If the driver is involved in the loading work,
reasons. he/she must observe the bulk plant’s safety
procedures.
The driver must ensure that the vehicle is under
constant supervision or is parked in a safe
10.5.3.4 Driver conduct in the event of a
place (secured against rolling), when it is not
being driven. hazard
The driver must take these precautions if a
hazard occurs.

• At the tank filling point, the driver must arrival of the fire service and police,
leave the hazard zone immediately if a while taking care not to endanger himself
hazard occurs. In doing so, he/she must or herself.
follow the instructions given by the filling
○ If there is a spill, the driver should take
personnel.
note of the wind direction and use that
• When driving, or following an accident, the information to avoid breathing in the
driver must gas. He or she must not pass through or
remain in the gas cloud.
○ Follow the instructions given on the
TREM card and MSDSs (the driver
must be familiar with the contents of 10.5.3.5 First aid
the TREM card and MSDSs before The driver must have received first aid training
beginning the journey). relating to acid hazards and know what
○ Follow the location-specific emergency information to provide a doctor if an acid spill
response and spill plans. If a transport has caused harm.
accident involving acid occurs, the
driver must first inform local emergency
authorities and then, contact his/her
10.5.4 Arrival at location
supervisor or line manager to provide the
following information:
Note:
▪ driver’s name
Refer to Well Services Safety
▪ precise product designation Standard 5: Pressure Pumping and
▪ license plate of the vehicle and the Location Safety.
tank number
▪ the location Upon arrival on location, the operator should do
▪ the position of your vehicle or the tank the following:
(e.g., parked normally on the road, slid
off the road, upside down, jackknifed, • Inspect the equipment and ensure the
and so on) tanks and hoses have not been damaged
during transport. Inspect all valves and
▪ telephone number at which driver can connections.
be reached
• Check with job supervisor to determine
▪ status of the vehicle or tank (full or where to spot the equipment to allow
empty) before the accident sufficient room for mixing and safely
▪ the position and quantity of any leaks handling all products. Allow room for
escape routes and placement of any
▪ any other damage ancillary safety equipment.
▪ any other vehicles or personnel
involved Note:
▪ what local emergency authorities have The use of a land guide is required
been notified. to position trailers.
○ The driver must do everything possible
to avert the danger while awaiting the

• Ensure the unit is a safe distance from the (fluid movement inside tank). Ensure that the
wellhead and is upwind of the well head. available capacity of the tank is sufficient for the
amount of acid that is to be loaded into it.
• Ensure chock blocks are placed at wheels.
10.6 Transferring acid to or from a step 08 Schlumberger personnel

should coordinate the loading and have radio
vessel or offshore rig communication. One person on the quayside/
When transferring acid to or from a vessel or boat and one person in the control room/rig
rig offshore, the generic operating procedures floor must be present at all times.
provided in Sections 10.2 to 10.4 must be
followed. Some additional precautions and step 09 All acid loads must be tallied as
procedures will be required because of the they are being pumped to/from the boat/rig to
hazardous nature of the operation. These ensure that tanks are not overfilled if a level
should be documented and be available at the gauge or alarm fails.
location, and may include the following.
step 10 Load/unload one acid tank at a
Step 01 Inform vessel or barge captain time: make sure valves on other storage tanks
and local port authorities that acid transfer is to are closed.
begin. There may be conflicts of work priorities.
step 11 Do not completely fill the acid
Step 02 Inform vessel/rig crew and dock tank. Ensure that enough capacity remains to
personnel that acid transfer will take place. All flush the lines.
unnecessary personnel to clear the area.
step 12 Flush all lines from the sea chest
step 03 Check weather (wind and tides) to back to the acid plant/transporter fill lines and
ensure no unacceptable conditions exist, and clean acid lines from the supply point.
ensure the vessel is well secured.
step 13 Use plastic tubs to catch any fluid
step 04 Unauthorized access to certain in the hoses while breaking the connections.
parts of the boat/rig may be required, so make
sure that these areas are secure.
10.7 Field mixing of acids
step 05 Special valves and lines on the When it is not possible to deliver an acid
vessel or rig and Well Services process pipe mixture to the wellsite, then it is necessary
work may need to be closed/open during to mix the concentrated acid with water and
loading of acid. Check and double check that additives just before the job. This situation may
the valves and lines are correctly positioned. occur when
• The time of acid job is not fixed or acid is

step 06 Allow sufficient slack in transfer
required on standby.
hoses for swell and boat movement.
• No mixing facilities are available at the Well
step 07 Acid storage tanks that are to Services location.
be filled should be checked for loading and • Transportation and logistical constraints
vessel stability. Check partially filled tanks (e.g., offshore and remote locations or tank/

transport volume limitations) prevent mixing Step 03 Calculate the volume and
before transport. concentration of each ingredient to be added
• The job design and acid formulation is not (water, acid and additives) to result in the total
decided in time to mix before transporting. volume required
The main method of mixing acid is by batch
mixing in tanks. Acid, water, and additives Note:
are not always continuously mixed: most Add acid to water! Do not add
continuous-mix systems involve adding one or water to acid!
more additives to premixed acid formulations
using metering pumps and flowmeters to
control the proportioning. In the future,
advances in real-time job monitoring and Step 04 Load the quantity of fresh water
evaluation that will allow optimizing stimulation necessary to prepare the desired quantity and
treatments with no waste products will require concentration of acid into the mixing tank.
true continuous mixing of water and additives
• The volume of mix water must be reduced
with raw acid on the fly.
by the volume of corrosion inhibitor and
other additives to be used; i.e., consider
10.7.1 Mixing HCl onsite the total additive volume as part of the
mix-water volume.
Follow these procedures to mix HCI onsite.
• Take into account tank dead volumes (if
any) and line volumes. Dead volumes
Step 01 Ensure the nine requirements should be added to the volume of acid to
listed in Section 10.1 are met. be prepared to ensure the correct volumes
can be pumped downhole.
Step 02 Ensure the following equipment is
present: Step 05 Circulate the tank, hoses, and
mixing system with the water and check for
• acid transport or storage tank with leaks before acid and additives are added.
concentrated acid
• fresh water supply Step 06 Using a chemical transfer pump,
add the proper amounts of corrosion inhibitor
• mix tank(s) to hold required volume of
and inhibitor aid.
diluted acid mixture (with circulation pump
and/or paddles). Tanks must be clean and
rust free. Step 07 Circulate with the mixing pump to
thoroughly mix. Mixing can be done using either
• circulation pump (if not included with mix paddles, circulation pumps, or an air lance (do
tanks) not use air lance if foaming is likely).
• transfer pump and suction/discharge hoses
for acid and additives Step 08 Add all other additives (e.g., F and
• four-inch Figure 206 suction and discharge W agents) using a chemical transfer pump and
hoses with hose covers mix thoroughly.
• safety equipment and PPE
Step 09 Meter in the predetermined
• hydrometer. volume of concentrated acid.

Step 10 When acid transfer is complete, Step 16 Dispose of the neutralized acid
flush lines with fresh water and close discharge according to local procedures.
and suction valves.
Step 17 Flush all tanks and treating lines
Step 11 Thoroughly mix to provide uniform thoroughly with water, disposing of the water
distribution of the acid and all additives. according to local procedures.
Step 12 Take a sample of acid and Step 18 Rig down the equipment, taking
measure its SG with a hydrometer to check the care for any unflushed areas in the treating
concentration. lines and equipment.
Step 13 Just before pumping downhole, 10.7.2 Mixing acetic acid

circulate acid tank contents a minimum of two
tank volumes to ensure all additives are evenly Mix acetic acid solutions according to the
dispersed in the acid. following procedure.
Step 01 Ensure the nine requirements

Note: listed in Section 10.1 are met.
If there is a delay and mixed acid
remains in surface storage/mix Step 02 Ensure the following equipment is
tanks for any length of time, present:
discuss it with your supervisor.
Acid inhibition times may need to • acid transport or storage tank with
be increased by adding of more concentrated acid
inhibitors. Circulate tank two
• fresh water supply
volumes at 8-hr intervals to ensure
inhibitor and additive effectiveness. • mix tank(s) to hold required volume of
rust free.
Step 14 Pump acid mixture as per design.
Monitor tanks, hoses, and connections for • circulation pump (if not included with mix
leaks. tanks)
Step 15 At end of the job, if any acid is left for acid and additives
in the tanks, neutralize the mixture.
• four-inch Figure 206 suction and discharge
1. Add 25 kg soda ash (C109) to 10 bbl of hoses with hose covers
fresh water, or • safety equipment and PPE
• hydrometer.
2. Add 3 kg caustic soda (M002) premixed
in a bucket of water to 10 bbls of fresh
water
Step 03 Calculate the volume and
concentration of each ingredient to be added
(water, acid and additives) to result in the total
volume required.

Caution:
Step 11 Rig down the equipment, taking
care for any unflushed areas in the treating
Add acid to water! Do not add lines and equipment.
water to acid!
10.7.3 Mixing HF with Y1

Follow these procedures to mix HF with Y1.
Step 04 Add about one-half of the mix
water to a clean tank. The tank should be rust
free. Step 01 Ensure the nine requirements
1. Add the required amount of corrosion
inhibitor and other additives to be used.
Note:
2. Mix thoroughly, either with paddles, Additional safety precautions are
a circulation pump, or an air lance (if required when mixing and handling
foaming is likely, do not use air lance). mud acid (see Section 4.3.5).
3. Add the required L400 or L401.
4. Add the remaining mix water.

Step 02 Ensure the following equipment is
present:
Step 05 Thoroughly mix to provide uniform • acid transport or storage tank with
distribution of the acid and all additives. concentrated acid
Step 06 Just before pumping downhole, • mix tank(s) to hold required volume of
circulate acid tank contents a minimum of two diluted acid mixture (with circulation pump
tank volumes to ensure all additives are evenly and/or paddles). Tanks must be clean and
dispersed in the acid. rust free.
• circulation pump (if not included with mix
Step 07 Pump acid mixture as per design.
tanks)
Monitor tanks, hoses, and connections for
leaks. • transfer pump and suction/discharge hoses
for acid and additives
Step 08 At end of the job, if any acid is left • four-inch Figure 206 suction and discharge
in the tanks, neutralize the mixture. hoses with hose covers
Step 09 Dispose of the neutralized acid
according to local procedures. • hydrometer.
Step 10 Flush all tanks and treating lines

Step 03 Calculate the volume and
concentration of each ingredient to be added
thoroughly with water, disposing of the water
(water, acid and additives) for the total volume.
according to local procedures.

Step 04 Load about two thirds of the step 16 Dispose of the neutralized acid
required fresh water into a clean mixing tank. according to local procedures.
Step 05 Add appropriate amounts of step 17 Flush all tanks and treating lines
corrosion inhibitor, inhibitor aid, and other thoroughly with water, disposing of the water
required acidizing additives, such as wetting according to local procedures.
agents, and iron control additives as needed.
Add scale inhibitor additives if needed. step 18 Rig down the equipment, taking
care for any unflushed areas in the treating
Step 06 Mix thoroughly. lines and equipment.
Step 07 Add Y1 and mix until dissolved. 10.7.4 Mixing clay acid
Follow these procedures to mix clay acid.
step 08 Slowly add required quantity of
concentrated HCl acid while continuing to mix.
step 01 Ensure the nine requirements
step 09 Mix thoroughly by paddling or listed in Section 10.1 are met.
circulating. The mixture must be sufficiently
agitated to produce a uniform solution or step 02 Ensure the following equipment is
dispersion of the corrosion inhibitor. present:
• acid transport or storage tank with

step 10 Add remaining water while concentrated acid
continuing to mix.
step 11 Thoroughly mix to provide uniform • mix tank(s) to hold required volume of
distribution of the acid and all additives. diluted acid mixture (with circulation pump
step 12 Take a sample of acid and rust free.
measure the SG with a hydrometer, to check • circulation pump (if not included with mix
the concentration. tanks)
step 13 Just before pumping downhole, for acid and additives
circulate acid tank contents a minimum of two
tank volumes to ensure all additives are evenly • four-inch Figure 206 suction and discharge
dispersed in the acid. hoses with hose covers
step 14 Pump acid mixture according to
• hydrometer.
design. Monitor tanks, hoses, and connections
for leaks. •
step 15 At end of the job, if any acid is left


step 03 Calculate the volume and step 13 Just before pumping downhole,
concentration of each ingredient to be added circulate acid tank contents a minimum of two
(water, acid and additives) to result in the total tank volumes to ensure all additives are evenly
volume required. dispersed in the acid.
step 14 Pump acid mixture as per design.

Caution: Monitor tanks, hoses, and connections for
Add acid to water! Do not add leaks.
water to acid!
step 15 At end of the job, if any acid is left
step 04 Add 3/4 of the required volume of
water to a clean mixing tank. step 16 Dispose of the neutralized acid
step 05 Add the required amount of
corrosion inhibitor(s). Mix thoroughly. step 17 Flush all tanks and treating lines
thoroughly with water, disposing of the water
step 06 Add the required weight of Y001
and circulate or paddle until dissolved. Add
the required volume of acid (HCl and H200 or step 18 Rig down the equipment, taking
H152) and circulate or paddle until dissolved. care for any unflushed areas in the treating
lines and equipment.
step 07 Add Y006 and mix thoroughly to
dissolve the Y006. 10.7.5 Mixing SXE acid systems
Mix SXE acid systems according to the
step 08 Add the remaining water to adjust following procedure.
the volume to the desired volume. Wash down
any spills while water is still in the transfer line.
step 01 Ensure the nine requirements
step 09 Circulate or paddle thoroughly to
assure a homogeneous blend.
step 02 Ensure the following equipment is
present:
step 10 When acid transfer is complete,
flush lines with fresh water and close discharge • acid transport or storage tank with
and suction valves. concentrated acid
step 11 Thoroughly mix to provide uniform
distribution of the acid and all additives. • mix tank(s) to hold required volume of
step 12 Take a sample of acid and
rust free.
measure its SG with a hydrometer to check the
concentration. • circulation pump (if not included with mix
tanks)

• transfer pump and suction/discharge hoses step 12 Add the emulsifier (U080 for
for acid and additives SXE or U103 for SXE HT) to the oil phase. Mix
• four-inch Figure 206 suction and discharge thoroughly by circulation.
hoses with hose covers
• safety equipment and PPE step 13 Prepare the emulsion by slowly
adding the acid to the circulating oil so that an
• hydrometer. oil-external phase emulsion forms.
step 03 Calculate the volume and
concentration of each ingredient to be added Note:
(water, acid and additives) to result in the total
Avoid adding the acid too quickly.
volume required.
Mixing time is dependent on the
shear rate, but slowly adding the
step 04 Load about two thirds of the acid is important.
required fresh water into a clean mixing tank.
step 05 Add appropriate amounts of

Step 14 Mix rate can be increased once
corrosion inhibitor, inhibitor aid, and other
the emulsion starts to form. You can tell it is
required acidizing additives, such as wetting
starting to form as it changes color. A thousand
agents or iron control additives as needed. Add
gallons of emulsion can be prepared in 10 to
scale inhibitor additives if needed.
20 minutes.
step 06 Mix thoroughly.

step 16 Determine the emulsion quality
by sampling the mixture and observing for 5
step 07 Slowly add required quantity of to 10 minutes. There should be no separation
concentrated acid while continuing to mix. If of the oil and acid. Alternately, collect a small
mixing mud acid with Y1, add Y1 before HCl. If amount of emulsion in a syringe. Carefully place
mixing mud acid with concentrated HF, add HCl a drop of emulsion in a beaker of water. If the
before the HF. emulsion is in the oil-external phase, the drop
will settle down to the bottom of the beaker. If
step 08 Mix thoroughly by paddling or the emulsion is unstable, the drop will slowly
circulating. The mixture must be sufficiently disperse in the water, forming a skim of the oil
agitated to produce a uniform solution or on the water surface.
dispersion of the corrosion inhibitor.
step 18 If separation occurs, the mixture
step 09 Add remaining water while is in the acid-external phase. If that is the case,
continuing to mix. allow the fluid to completely separate in the
tank.
step 10 Acid should be remixed just
before adding to the oil phase to ensure that the step 19 Resume agitation at the interface
corrosion inhibitor is dispersed uniformly. of the liquids or circulate from the bottom of the
tank through a pump and back into the top of
step 11 Put the oil phase (diesel or the tank. An oil-external phase emulsion should
kerosene) into separate clean mixing tank. form as the acid phase is circulated back into
the oil phase.

10.7.6 Mixing other acid systems
Details of the procedures required to mix
other acid systems can be found in the
Matrix Materials Manual (InTouch Content
ID# 4013354) or in documentation for the
particular systems.


11.0 Acid Spills and Disposal
Acid spills must be prevented at all costs: To avoid spills, all personnel must
clean-up and remedial work is very
expensive, the environment is damaged, and • perform proactive maintenance on all acid
Schlumberger’s reputation is harmed. handling and storage equipment
• establish and follow acid plant operating
Even small volumes of spills cause damage and
procedures, which must be updated with
extra work. See Figure 11-1 of an acid spill (in
lessons-learned as necessary
South America) when it flows over the ground.
• use all necessary safety equipment, which
must be operable
• know the procedures and regulations in the
country they operate
• have a proactive QHSE attitude.
11.1 Reporting
Spills must be reported to Schlumberger, and
possibly must be reported also to client and
local regulatory authorities, depending on their
reporting requirements. The details and contact
numbers should be included in the site-specific
Figure 11-1. Acid Spill spill response plan and/or emergency response
plan.
Figure 11.2 shows that a little acid can go a
long way. Per OFS Standard 2 (InTouch Content
ID# 3260257) or the Web site http://www.hub.
slb.com/display/index.do?id=id16324), all spills
must be reported in QUEST. Incident severity is
classified by the volume of spill as follows:
• Light < 100 liters

• Serious > 100 < 1,000 liters
• Major > 1,000 < 10,000 liters
• Catastrophic > 10,000 liters.
Figure 11-2. Acid Spill from 55-galUS Drums

11.2 Spill prevention and control plan 11.3 MSDSs
Schlumberger Environmental Standard No. 8 The MSDS for each product provides details
(InTouch Content ID# 3605373) states “All of actions required if a spill occurs. Table 11-1
sites shall establish and maintain a written shows details from the MSDS of 15% HCl for
Spill Prevention and Control Plan if hazardous the “Accidental Release Measures” required.
substances are used or stored on the site, or if
required by environmental laws and regulatory Table 11-1. Spill Response Measures on MSDS for 15% HCI
requirements. The SPC Plan shall address Main physical Corrosive to metals.
pollution prevention by identifying potential hazards
spill scenarios and developing procedures to
prevent and control them.” Other hazards Gives off hydrogen by reaction with
metals.
A spill prevention and control plan helps protect Personal Avoid contact with eyes. Do not get on
the environment in two ways: precautions skin or clothing. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Ensure adequate ventilation.
See also Section 8.
• It provides the procedures to prevent oil
Methods for Dam up. Neutralize with lime milk or
and chemical spills and waste releases. cleaning up soda and flush with plenty of water.
Flush residual with plenty of water.
• Should a spill or release occur, it describes
Environmental No information available.
the protocols to minimize any harmful precautions
effects, including notification of appropriate
government agencies as required by
regulations.
All personnel involved with the handling of 11.4 Spill kits
acids must be knowledgeable of the location’s Each acid storage and mixing facility must have
spill response control plan and know what their a spill kit. This was described in Section 6.1.7 of
responsibilities are in the event of an incident. this document. Personnel must be trained in the
use of the spill kit.
Some personnel will require special training
in handling spills and also take part in spill
response drills (see Fig. 11-3 showing a drill in Note:
Kazakhstan). When materials from the spill kit
are used, they must be replaced as
soon as possible.
11.5 Disposal
Disposal of acid waste from spills or from empty
and used acid or acid material containers and
drums must also be performed according to
proper procedure.
Disposal requirements are detailed in the

MSDS sheet. See Table 11-2, which shows an
Figure 11-3. Acid Spill Exercise in Kazakhstan example of the “Disposal Considerations” from
the MSDS sheet for 15% HCl.
108 | Acid Spills and Disposal

Table 11-2. Disposal Considerations for 15% HCI from MSDS
Waste from Dispose of by injection or other

residues acceptable method in accordance with
local regulations.
Contaminated If reusable containers are used, send
packaging them back to the product supplier, after
the required rinsing. Triple rinse, crush
and ship to sanitary landfill unless
prohibited by local regulations.
EPA RCRA D002
hazardous
waste code
Empty totes and drums should be returned

to the location unless they have become the
property of the client. Empty drums should be
triple-cleaned and sent to an approved drum
reconditioner if permitted by regulations. If
reconditioning is not an option, empty drums
should be sent to an approved sanitary landfill
for disposal.
Note:
Check with your location
manager or QHSE manager for
proper disposal procedures and
regulations at your location.

110 | Acid Spills and Disposal

12.0 Appendix
* * *
Figure 12-1. Key Service Quality Requirements Matrix

112 | Appendix
13.0 Check Your Understanding
1. What is the pH of 28% hydrochloric acid? 4. What is the name of the Web-based
A. 7 program that can be used to determine
acid system load-out requirements?
B. ≥ 12
A. i-District
C. 9 – 10
B. AcidBLEND calculator
D. ≤ 2
C. AcidMIX formulator
E. 5 – 5
D. i-Handbook
E. CemCADE
2. Which three types of safety hat three
types of safety gloves should you wear
when mixing mud acid (12% HCl + 3% 5. What is a TREM card?
HF)? A. trailer repair and equipment
A. cotton maintenance card
B. butyl B. transport emergency card
C. neoprene C. trailer emergency clutch
D. PVC D. transport equipment maintenance
E. leather card
F. nitrile
6. What safety standard should you know
and follow when handling dangerous
3. What four items would you find in an acid goods?
bulk plant?
A. OFS QHSE Standard S008
A. surge tank
B. WS Safety Standard 18
B. Wilden pump
C. OFS QHSE Standard S003
C. water storage tank
D. WS Safety Standard 17
D. spill kit
E. all of the above
E. weigh-batch blender
F. fume scrubber

7. Which four additives might you find in an 11. Which WS safety standard should you
acid system? know and follow if you must inspect the
A. anti-sludge agent inside of a 12,000-galUS acid tank?
B. inhibitor A. 5
C. fluid-loss additive B. 20
D. retarder C. 25
E. surfactant D. 23
F. extender
12. What is the capacity of the STF-143 acid
transporter?
8. What volume of 34% HCl would you
require to mix 10,000 gallons of 28% HCl? A. 5,000 galUS
A. 10,000 galUS B. 6,000 galUS
B. 5,527 galUS C. 8,000 galUS
C. 8,022 galUS D. 7,500 galUS
D. 4,050 galUS E. none of the above
E. none of the above
13. If a vehicle accident occurs and spill from
an acid transporter taking 5,000 galUS of
9. Where would you find details of what acid to a location, which of the following
actions are required if an acid spill occurs information must the driver provide?
in the acid bulk plant?
A. place or location of incident
A. product label
B. time of incident
B. load-out list
C. damage incurred
C. MSDS
D. police and fire brigade informed
D. invoice
E. type of spill
E. TREM card
F. all of the above
10. What is the order of mixing if you have to

prepare 15,000 gallons of 15% HCl with 14. If you have to neutralize a small acid spill
20 galUS/1,000 g A262 + 3 galUS/1,000 in your location, what two products could
W54? you use?
___A. Add concentrated acid A. cement
___B. Add inhibitor B. soda ash
___C. Add water C. calcium chloride
___D. Add demulsifier D. caustic soda
E. sand
114 | Check Your Understanding

15. How often should the revetment of an acid 19. What is the mixing order when preparing
storage plant be hydrotested? 5,000 gallons of mixing HF acid with Y001
A. every 6 months ammonium bifluoride?
B. every 12 months ___A. Add corrosion inhibitor.
C. every 24 months ___B. Add 2/3 water volume.
D. not required ___C. Add Y001.
___D. Add water 1/3 water volume.
16. An acid spill has occurred in your acid ___E. Add concentrated HCl acid.
bulk plant. You estimate that 200 L of acid
has been lost. How should you report the 20. You have to set up an acid storage plant
spill in QUEST? that will be home to the following tanks:
A. No need to report incident 1 15,000-galUS acid storage tank
B. RIR – light incident 2 6,000-galUS acid storage tank
C. RIR – serious incident 1 6,000-galUS water storage tank
D. RIR – catastrophic incident 4 300-galUS chemical tote tank
17. What three fluids can you store in a A concrete slab measuring 12 x 12 meters
rubber-lined storage tank? has been built. How high should the
A. 20% HCl surrounding wall be?
B. water A. 25-in
C. xylene B. 12-in
D. inhibited acid C. 39-in
E. diesel D. 29-in
F. 7.5% HCl E. no wall required
18. What is the standard union for use in low

pressure acid transfer and liquid additive
hoses?
A. Camlock mild steel
B. WECO Figure 1502
C. Camlock brass
D. WECO Figure 206
E. all of the above

116 | Check Your Understanding

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JET Manual 10

Acid Storage, Handling,

Copyright © 2007 Schlumberger, Unpublished Work. All Rights Reserved.

Trademarks & Service Marks

An asterisk (*) is used throughout this document to designate a mark of Schlumberger.

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | iii

iv | Table of Contents

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 

vi | Table of Contents

• Acid and acid materials are hazardous

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 

• describe the safe working practices

1.2 Safety warning

All personnel involved with the operation

This section describes the properties and 2.2 Applications

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 

Water is a neutral liquid with a pH of 7 (green).

• red litmus paper: the paper turns red when

10 | Acid Properties and Hazards

Figure 2-3. pH Meter

• chemical indicators: color changes in

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 11

12 | Acid Properties and Hazards

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 13

1935: Halliburton Oil Well Cementing Co.

1940: Schlumberger accomplished the first

14 | Use of Acids in the Oilfield

Additives, such as inhibitor, iron stabilizers,

3.4.1 Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Figure 3-3. Sandstone

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 15

16 | Use of Acids in the Oilfield

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 17

• reduce surface or interfacial tension and

18 | Use of Acids in the Oilfield

Mutual solvents are used in large quantities of

Antisludge additives stabilize the colloidal • bactericides.

Nonemulsifiers are added to the treating fluid.

W53 and W54 are common nonemulsifying

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 19

20 | Use of Acids in the Oilfield

• WS Safety Standard 5: Pressure Pumping

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 21

4.3.1 Eye and face protection: 4.3.2 Hand protection

22 | Safety Considerations

4.3.4 Respiratory protection

When exposure levels could exceed 50 ppm,

Figure 4-3. Protective Suit

Figure 4-5. Respirator

Figure 4-4. Protective Apron

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 23

• The identity of the material on the container

24 | Safety Considerations

• Missing or worn labels must be replaced

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 25

26 | Safety Considerations

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 27

28 | Safety Considerations

0 Figure 4-11. Transport Placards

3 0 4.5.2 EU TREM cards

4.5.1 Hazardous materials transportation

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing | 29

30 | Safety Considerations

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing |

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing |

JET 10 - Acid Storage, Handling, Transportation, and Mixing |