Green Chelating Agents in Oilfields: High-Performance Applications of GLDA-Na₄
As the global oil and gas industry shifts toward sustainable development and environmental compliance, traditional chelating agents like EDTA and NTA are being scrutinized for their poor biodegradability. Enter Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA-Na₄)—a bio-based, high-performance chelating agent that is revolutionizing oilfield chemistry. From scale inhibition to enhanced oil recovery (EOR), GLDA is proving to be an indispensable asset for modern oilfield operations.
Why GLDA-Na₄ is the Preferred Choice for Oilfield Operations

1. Exceptional Thermal Stability
Oilfield environments, especially deep-well drilling, involve extreme temperatures. Unlike many organic chelants that decompose under heat, Yuanlian Chemical’s GLDA maintains its structural integrity and sequestering power at temperatures exceeding (), ensuring consistent performance in HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) reservoirs.
2. Superior Solubility Across pH Ranges
One of the standout features of GLDA is its high solubility in both highly acidic and strongly alkaline conditions. This versatility allows it to be used in various oilfield fluids, including acidizing treatments and alkaline flooding, without the risk of precipitation.
3. Excellent Scale Control and Dissolution
GLDA is highly effective at sequestering calcium, magnesium, and barium ions. It is widely used for:
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Scale Removal: Efficiently dissolving calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate scales in wellbores and pipelines.
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Preventing Mineral Precipitation: Inhibiting scale formation during water injection and production phases.
4. Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable
Sourced from natural L-glutamic acid, GLDA is readily biodegradable and has a low carbon footprint. It meets the stringent environmental regulations for offshore drilling (such as OSPAR standards), making it a "green" alternative that reduces the ecological impact of chemical discharge.
Key Applications in the Oil and Gas Value Chain
A. Acidizing and Well Stimulation
In carbonate reservoirs, GLDA acts as a standalone stimulation fluid or an additive to hydrochloric acid (HCl). It helps in creating wormholes and increasing permeability while minimizing corrosion on downhole equipment compared to strong inorganic acids.
B. Enhanced Oil Recovery
In chemical EOR, GLDA prevents the precipitation of surfactants and polymers in the presence of hard brine. This ensures the stability of the injection fluid and maximizes the displacement efficiency of the oil.
C. Crude Oil Desalting
During the refining process, GLDA is used to remove calcium and other metal ions from crude oil, protecting downstream catalysts and reducing corrosion in refinery units.
Yuanlian Chemical: Your Strategic Partner in Oilfield Chemistry
At Yuanlian Chemical, we specialize in providing high-purity, industrial-grade GLDA-Na₄ solutions designed specifically for the rigorous demands of the energy sector.
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Customized Concentrations: We offer various liquid and powder specifications to suit your logistics and blending requirements.
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Technical Expertise: Our team provides formulation support to ensure GLDA integrates seamlessly with your existing chemical packages.
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Global Supply Chain: We ensure reliable delivery to major oil-producing regions, maintaining the uptime of your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can GLDA replace EDTA in oilfield acidizing? A: Yes, GLDA is an excellent alternative. It offers similar or superior chelating capacity while being much more environmentally friendly and stable at high temperatures.
Q: What is the biodegradation rate of GLDA? A: GLDA is classified as "readily biodegradable" according to OECD 301B standards, typically achieving over 60% degradation within 28 days.
Q: How do I contact Yuanlian Chemical for a quote? A: You can reach our technical sales team directly to discuss your specific oilfield application and request samples for lab testing.
Contact Information
Brand: Yuanlian Chemical
Expertise: Green Chelating Agents & Oilfield Specialty Chemicals
Inquiry: Contact us today to optimize your oilfield chemical performance with sustainable solutions.
Yuanlian Chemical specializes in the production of polyaspartic acid (PASP),tetrasodium iminodisuccinate(IDS), GLDA, MGDA etc. with stable quality and excellent quantity!
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