Page 173 - Environmental Control in Petroleum Engineering

Planning for Environmental Protection 159

Table 5-2
Additional Substitute Materials for Drilling Fluid Additives
Hazardous Item Substitute
Pipe dope compounds: lead, zinc, Lithium-based grease with
copper, and cadmium microsphere ceramic balls
Oils and greases: aromatics, sulfur White oils manufactured from
highly refined mineral oils
approved for use in the food
industry
Cleaning solvents: varsol, freon, Citrus-based solvents, high pressure
MEK, phosphate soaps hot water, jet washers, closed-loop
recycling
Source; after Page and Chilton, 1991,
Copyright SPE, with permission.

example, organic cations can be used as a low salt concentration, tempo-
rary clay stabilizer in well service fluids (Himes, 1991; Himes et aL,
1990). Zinc, sulfite, or organic phosphate corrosion inhibitors can be used
instead of chromate inhibitors. Pentachlorophenols and formaldehyde-
releasing biocides can be replaced with isothiazoline or amines. Petroleum-
and alcohol-based defoamers can be replaced with polyglycols.
Opportunities for materials substitution are also available during
related site operations. For example, less toxic detergents can be used
to wash rigs. A better solution, however, is for contractors to install
closed-loop washwater systems for washing rigs at their own sites
rather than at the wellhead (Whitney and Greer, 1991). Whenever
possible, unleaded water-based paints and nonsolvent paint removers,
cleaners, and degreasers can be used. Disposable brushes can be used
to eliminate the need for paint thinners and solvents, although the
brushes must then be disposed of. Water-based dyes can be used
instead of trichloroethane-based penetrants when inspecting pipes for
cracks. Substitutes can be used for halon gases in fire suppressants.

Equipment Modifications

Another important method for minimizing the volume of potentially
toxic wastes generated is to ensure that all equipment is properly