ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION OF CASSAVA LEAF EXTRACT ON THE INHIBITION OF CALCIUM CARBONATE PRECIPITATION ON OIL RESERVOIR AND EQUIPMENT

This study investigated the potential of cassava leaf (Manihot esculenta) extract as an environmentally friendly alternative for preventing calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) scale formation in simulated produced water. Using Soxhlet extraction for the extraction, with ethanol as the solvent, the process yielded 38.5% of extract, suggesting a substantial concentration of active compounds in cassava leaf. FTIR analysis identified key functional groups, including alcohol (-OH), amine (-NH), alkene (C=C), alkane (C-H), and anhydride (C-O-C), which are known to interact with calcium ions and inhibit the formation of scale. The experimental findings demonstrated that cassava leaf extract was highly effective at a concentration of 200 µl, in 100ml of produced water (simulated), with its inhibition efficiency improving significantly at higher temperatures. Results of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) analyses showed increased ion solubility, corresponding to a reduction in CaCO₃ precipitation. Notably, the extract's performance peaked at 50°C, highlighting its suitability for high-temperature conditions. The study emphasizes the extract’s biodegradability and non-toxicity, making it a promising green alternative to synthetic inhibitors. However, some limitations were observed, including variability in the extract’s composition due to environmental factors and the challenges of replicating the complexities of real-world conditions. Despite these challenges, cassava leaf extract offers a sustainable solution for industries seeking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining effective scale control.