Applications of injection quills in the oil & gas industry - Injection quills manufactured in India to world-class certifications

Injection quills are devices used in the oil and gas industry to introduce chemicals, such as corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and biocides, into pipelines and other equipment. These chemicals help to maintain the integrity of the equipment, prevent corrosion and scaling, and control bacterial growth. Injection quills are typically installed downstream of pumps or other injection points, and are designed to mix the chemicals with the fluid flow in the pipeline to ensure proper distribution. Their use is critical in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of the equipment in the oil and gas industry.

Types of Injection Quills

There are several types of injection quills available for use in the oil and gas industry, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types include:

Open-end quills: These quills have a small opening at the end, through which chemicals are injected into the pipeline. They are the most basic type of quill and are relatively easy to install and maintain.
Tee-piece quills: These quills have a T-shaped design, with one branch inserted into the pipeline and the other branch serving as the injection point for the chemicals. They provide better mixing of the chemicals with the fluid flow.
In-line quills: These quills are installed directly into the pipeline, and have an internal mixing chamber for better chemical dispersion. They are more complex than open-end and tee-piece quills, and may require more maintenance.
Multi-port quills: These quills have multiple injection points and are used for introducing multiple chemicals into the pipeline. They are typically used in applications where more than one chemical is needed.
External mixing quills: These quills have an external mixing element that sits outside the pipeline, which helps to create a turbulent flow to improve chemical distribution.

Each type of quill has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on the specific application and requirements.

Applications of Injection Quills in oil & gas industry

Injection of chemicals for enhanced oil recovery (EOR)

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a process used in oil refineries to increase the amount of oil that can be extracted from a reservoir. One of the methods used for EOR is chemical injection, which involves injecting various chemicals into the reservoir to improve the mobility of the oil and increase its flow to the wellbore.

Injection of chemicals for EOR is typically done using injection quills, which are installed downstream of pumps or other injection points and are designed to mix the chemicals with the fluid flow in the pipeline. The most common chemicals used for EOR include surfactants, polymers, and alkaline and acidic solutions. These chemicals can help to reduce the viscosity of the oil, increase the oil’s mobility and reduce the resistance to flow, which can increase the efficiency of the oil recovery process.

It’s worth mentioning that EOR methods including chemical injection are not always used, it’s applied when primary and secondary recovery methods have reached their limit. Chemical injection is a more expensive and complex process, and it’s only applied when oil production declines significantly.

Injection of corrosion inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors are chemicals that are injected into oil and gas pipelines to prevent or reduce corrosion. In oil refineries, corrosion inhibitors are used to protect equipment such as pipelines, storage tanks, and valves from the corrosive effects of the oil and gas products being transported.

The most common types of corrosion inhibitors used in oil refineries are organic inhibitors, such as amines and phosphonates, and inorganic inhibitors, such as nitrites and chromates. These inhibitors form a thin film on the metal surface, which helps to protect the metal from corrosion.

Injection of corrosion inhibitors is typically done using injection quills, which are installed downstream of pumps or other injection points and are designed to mix the chemicals with the fluid flow in the pipeline. The corrosion inhibitors are injected at a specific location and concentration to provide optimal protection for the equipment.

It’s important to note that corrosion inhibitors are not a permanent solution to corrosion, the protection provided by inhibitors may diminish over time or due to changes in the fluid flow or composition, so regular monitoring and maintenance of the equipment is needed to ensure that the corrosion inhibitors are working effectively.

Injection of scale inhibitors

Scale inhibitors are chemicals that are injected into oil and gas pipelines to prevent or reduce the formation of mineral scale deposits on the equipment. In oil refineries, scale inhibitors are used to protect equipment such as pipelines, heat exchangers, and boilers from the buildup of mineral scale, which can restrict flow, reduce heat transfer efficiency, and increase maintenance costs.

The most common types of scale inhibitors used in oil refineries are polyphosphates, phosphonates, and carbonates. These inhibitors work by forming a thin film on the metal surface, which helps to prevent mineral scale from adhering to the equipment.

Injection of scale inhibitors is typically done using injection quills, which are installed downstream of pumps or other injection points and are designed to mix the chemicals with the fluid flow in the pipeline. The scale inhibitors are injected at a specific location and concentration to provide optimal protection for the equipment.

It’s important to note that scale inhibitors are not a permanent solution to scale formation, the protection provided by inhibitors may diminish over time or due to changes in the fluid flow or composition, so regular monitoring and maintenance of the equipment is needed to ensure that the scale inhibitors are working effectively. Additionally, some inhibitors may cause corrosion, so the selection of the appropriate inhibitor is also a critical step.

Injection of biocides

Biocides are chemicals that are injected into oil and gas pipelines to control bacterial growth. In oil refineries, biocides are used to protect equipment such as pipelines, storage tanks, and heat exchangers from bacterial corrosion and fouling.

Bacteria can thrive in the warm and nutrient-rich environment of oil and gas pipelines, and can cause corrosion, blockages, and other issues that can reduce the efficiency of the equipment and increase maintenance costs. Biocides are used to control bacterial growth by killing or inhibiting the growth of the bacteria.

The most common types of biocides used in oil refineries are halogens, such as chlorine and bromine, and oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid. These biocides are injected into the pipeline using injection quills, which are installed downstream of pumps or other injection points and are designed to mix the chemicals with the fluid flow in the pipeline. The biocides are injected at a specific location and concentration to provide optimal protection for the equipment.

It’s worth mentioning that biocides are not a permanent solution to bacterial growth, since bacteria can adapt to the presence of biocides over time, so regular monitoring and maintenance of the equipment is needed to ensure that the biocides are working effectively. Additionally, biocides can be harmful to the environment, so they should be handled with care and in compliance with the regulations and safety standards.

Installation and Maintenance of injection quills

Steps involved in installing injection quills

The steps involved in installing injection quills can vary depending on the type of quill and the specific application, but generally, the process includes the following steps:

Planning: This includes selecting the appropriate quill type and location for the injection point, as well as determining the required flow rate and chemical concentration.
Preparation: This includes cleaning and preparing the pipeline or equipment for the quill installation, as well as installing any necessary valves, fittings, or other equipment required for the quill.
Installation: This includes physically installing the quill into the pipeline or equipment, which may involve welding, bolting, or other methods of attachment. It also involves making sure that the quill is properly aligned and that all connections are secure.
Testing: This includes performing a leak test and a flow test to ensure that the quill is properly installed and that the chemical is being injected at the correct flow rate and concentration.
Commissioning: This includes starting the injection of the chemical and monitoring the flow rate and concentration to ensure that it remains within the desired range.
Maintenance: This includes regular monitoring and maintenance of the quill to ensure that it continues to operate properly. This may include inspecting the quill for leaks, testing the chemical injection rate, and cleaning or replacing parts as needed.

It’s worth mentioning that all the steps should be followed by the safety guidelines and regulations of the facility and the industry to ensure the safety of the people and the environment.

Injection quills maintenance requirements and best practices

Maintenance of injection quills is critical to ensure that they continue to function properly and protect the equipment from corrosion, scaling, and bacterial growth. Some of the maintenance requirements and best practices for injection quills include:

Inspection: Regularly inspect the quills for leaks, damage, or other signs of wear and tear.
Flow rate and chemical concentration monitoring: Regularly measure the flow rate and chemical concentration to ensure that they remain within the desired range.
Cleaning: Clean the quills and surrounding equipment as needed to remove any buildup of debris or contaminants.
Repair or replacement: Repair or replace any damaged or worn parts as needed.
Record Keeping: keep records of the maintenance activities, including the date, time, and details of the maintenance performed, as well as the results of any inspections or tests.
Using the right chemical: ensure that the chemical being injected is compatible with the material of the quill and the equipment.
Safety measures: always follow the safety guidelines and regulations of the facility and the industry to ensure the safety of the people and the environment while performing the maintenance.

It’s important to note that regular monitoring and maintenance of the quills are important to ensure that they continue to function properly, and that they provide the necessary protection for the equipment. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the maintenance is performed by qualified personnel and that the maintenance activities are in compliance with the regulations and safety standards.

Future developments and potential advancements in use of injection quills in the oil & gas industry

Injection quills have been widely used in the oil and gas industry for decades, and have proven to be a reliable and effective method for injecting chemicals into pipelines and other equipment. However, there are still areas for potential advancements and future developments in the technology. Some of the potential future developments and advancements in the use of injection quills in the oil and gas industry include:

Smart injection quills: The use of smart sensors, advanced analytics and automation technologies could be employed to optimize the injection rate, location and chemical concentrations, which can lead to more efficient use of chemicals and better protection of the equipment.
Remote monitoring and control: The use of remote monitoring and control technologies could allow for real-time monitoring of the injection quills, and the ability to adjust the injection rate and chemical concentration as needed.
Biodegradable and eco-friendly chemicals: The use of biodegradable and eco-friendly chemicals for injection could reduce the environmental impact of the chemicals used in the oil and gas industry.
3D printing technology: The use of 3D printing technology to create customized injection quills could lead to more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of the quills.
Advanced material: the use of advanced materials such as ceramics or composites, could improve the durability and resistance of the quills to the harsh conditions of the oil and gas industry.

Overall, the oil and gas industry is always looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the environmental impact of their operations. The continued development and advancement of injection quills is one way that the industry can meet these goals.

Crystal Industrial Syndicate from India, makes a range of custom injection quills for a variety of industrial processes. Our injection quills from India comply with the world’s most stringent certifications. Our products are installed around the world, from North America and Europe to Africa and the Middle East. Contact us to know more about how we can support your injection quills requirements. Contact us