Method of inhibiting reservoir scale

摘要

A method of inhibiting the formation and deposition of scale in the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs. The method is particularly effective at inhibiting the formation and deposition of calcium and barium scales in the produced waters of hydrocarbon recovery operations. The method comprises introducing into the produced water a polyepoxysuccinic acid of the general formula: , M is hydrogen or a water soluble cation such as Na+, NH4+, K+ and R is hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl or C1-4 substituted alkyl.