DISPERSING SULFIDE SCALES IN OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

A homopolymer of a monomer selected from those having the general formula : (I) wherein: R1 is H or CH3; R2 is H or an alkyl group having from 1 to ab out 4 carbon atoms; A is a straight or branched chain alkyl group having fro m 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and R5, R6, and R7 each are independently an alkyl g roup having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or a copolymer of such monomers as acr ylate, acrylamide or methacrylamide may be used to disperse metal sulfides p rior to their forming scales during the production and transportation of cru de oil. Terpolymers of dimethyldiallylammonium salt, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylat e; and acrylic acid may also be used for this purpose. The production fluid may also be treated with a compound that promotes the formation of dispersib le sulfide scales.