Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inhibiting the formation of scale on equipment in contact with a produced fluid containing a scale-forming divalent cation. Such methods can comprise adding an activated alginate to the produced fluid in an amount effective to react with the divalent cation in the produced fluid to form an activated alginate complex; and separating the activated alginate complex from the produced fluid. Methods can further comprise recycling the activated alginate from the activated alginate complex by dissolving the activated alginate complex. The activated alginate can be prepared by thermally modifying an alginate precursor at a temperature of from 80° C. to 180° C. for a period of at least 24 hours. The activated alginate can be in the form of a solution including 0.1% to 10% by weight activated alginate, based on the total weight of the solution.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of scale to metallic and other surfaces in the equipment, vessels and/or piping of facilities for the handling of oil and gas produced fluid is disclosed. An effective scale inhibiting amount of alginate is added to a produced fluid containing a scale-forming divalent cation. The alginate effectively cross-links with a scale-forming divalent cation, e.g., calcium, forming an alginate gel for subsequent separation and removal from the produced fluid.

Abstract: A method for analysis of hydrocarbons in water, the method comprising the steps of: extracting the hydrocarbons from a water sample; introducing the extracted hydrocarbons to a solvent system; determining the relative concentrations of the hydrocarbons in the solvent system and at least one solvent in the solvent system by 1H NMR analysis, wherein the solvent system comprises at least one solvent with a 1H NMR signal distinguishable from a 1H NMR signal of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of scale to metallic and other surfaces in the equipment, vessels and/or piping of facilities for the handling of oil and gas produced fluid is disclosed. An effective scale inhibiting amount of alginate is added to a produced fluid containing a scale-forming divalent cation. The alginate effectively cross-links with a scale-forming divalent cation, e.g., calcium, forming an alginate gel for subsequent separation and removal from the produced fluid.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of scale to metallic and other surfaces in the equipment, vessels and/or piping of facilities for the handling of oil and gas produced fluid is disclosed. An effective scale inhibiting amount of alginate is added to a produced fluid containing a scale-forming divalent cation. The alginate effectively cross-links with a scale-forming divalent cation, e.g., calcium, forming an alginate gel for subsequent separation and removal from the produced fluid.

Abstract: A method for analysis of hydrocarbons in water, the method comprising the steps of: extracting the hydrocarbons from a water sample; introducing the extracted hydrocarbons to a solvent system; determining the relative concentrations of the hydrocarbons in the solvent system and at least one solvent in the solvent system by 1H NMR analysis, wherein the solvent system comprises at least one solvent with a 1H NMR signal distinguishable from a 1H NMR signal of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of scale to metallic and other surfaces in the equipment, vessels and/or piping of facilities for the handling of oil and gas produced fluid is disclosed. An effective scale inhibiting amount of alginate is added to a produced fluid containing a scale-forming divalent cation. The alginate effectively cross-links with a scale-forming divalent cation, e.g., calcium, forming an alginate gel for subsequent separation and removal from the produced fluid.