An oil-soluble asphaltene breaker capable of dissolving and breaking asphaltene plugs and a method for preparing the same
An oil-soluble asphaltene disruptor prepared by combining organic carboxylic acids, amines, and cyclic compounds solves the problem of unblocking asphaltene plugs under high temperature and high pressure conditions, achieving efficient and safe dissolution and disruption effects, and is suitable for various oil well environments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA UNIV OF PETROLEUM (BEIJING)
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing asphalt blockage removers are ineffective under high temperature and high pressure conditions, pose safety risks, and conventional agents contain corrosive elements, making it difficult to meet the requirements for efficient blockage removal.
An oil-soluble asphaltene disintegrating agent with both dissolving and breaking functions is used. It is composed of organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, cyclic compounds and alcohols. By increasing the contact area and reducing the interfacial tension, it enhances the dissolution and breaking effect on asphaltene blockages.
It achieves efficient dissolution and breakup of asphalt plugs, is suitable for conventional and high-temperature and high-pressure oil wells, has high safety, does not contain easily corrosive elements, has a dissolution and breakup rate of 90-95%, and has a high flash point and low pour point.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of oilfield applied chemistry technology, specifically relating to an oil-soluble asphaltene breaker that can dissolve and break up asphaltene blockages and its preparation method. Background Technology
[0002] The crude oil production process is affected by factors such as temperature and pressure, which can easily disrupt the stability of crude oil, leading to the precipitation and deposition of asphaltenes that can clog oil wells. Asphaltenes deposition is a common problem in oil fields, posing a risk of deposition in wellbores, formations, and gathering and transportation pipelines. Deposited asphaltenes can easily cause formation wettability reversal, reducing oil recovery rates; simultaneously, the aggregation of deposited asphaltenes can lead to wellbore blockage, severely hindering efficient crude oil production.
[0003] Currently, the main technologies used to unblock asphalt plugs are chemical, physical, and biological methods. Chemical unblocking is the primary technology due to its advantages of speed, efficiency, and thoroughness. However, with the deepening exploitation of crude oil resources, the development of unconventional oil and gas resources, such as those operating at high temperatures and pressures, is gradually becoming a new energy strategy. This places higher demands on the safety and dissolution / dispersion performance of chemical agents used for asphalt plugging. Conventional asphalt dispersants have low flash points (<45℃), poor solubility at low temperatures (≤room temperature), and contain corrosive elements such as sulfur and chlorine. These issues lead to poor performance in unblocking applications in high-temperature, high-pressure oil wells and formations, and also pose significant risks during use.
[0004] Therefore, developing a high-efficiency and safe oil-soluble asphaltene dispersant that is not only suitable for unclogging conventional oil wells, but also for unclogging oil wells under complex conditions such as high temperature and high pressure is of great significance for maintaining efficient crude oil extraction. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an oil-soluble asphaltene breaker that can both dissolve and break up asphaltene blockages. It has the characteristics of good dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages, high flash point (applicable to high temperature and high pressure oil wells), low pour point (the agent can be used in winter), and no sulfur, chlorine or halogen elements.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0007] An oil-soluble asphaltene depressant that can both dissolve and break up asphaltene blockages is composed of the following raw materials in the following weight percentages: 30 wt.% to 50 wt.% organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, 15 wt.% to 25 wt.% amines, 20 wt.% to 40 wt.% cyclic compounds, and 5 wt.% to 8 wt.% alcohols.
[0008] Furthermore, the organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives are compounds with multifunctional groups, including ester groups and ether bonds;
[0009] Furthermore, the structural formulas of the organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives are shown in Formula I:
[0010]
[0011] In Formula I, the number of carbon atoms n ranges from C1 to C5, with the intermediate alkylene group being -(CH2). n - It has a structure with "secondary carbon" or "tertiary carbon".
[0012] Furthermore, the molecular weight range of the compounds shown in Formula I is 132 to 272.
[0013] Organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives are the main agents for breaking up blockages. They can promote the breaking and dispersion of asphalt blockages, increase the contact area between the blockages and the oil-soluble asphalt breakers, and improve the breaking and dissolving effect of the agents on asphalt blockages.
[0014] Further, the amine is an amide compound, including at least one of the following: the compound shown in Formula II, N-methylpyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide;
[0015] The structural formula of Formula II is shown below:
[0016]
[0017] In Formula II, the number of carbon atoms in n' ranges from C1 to C8.
[0018] The amine compounds, as excellent penetrants, can reduce the interfacial tension between the agent components and the asphaltene plug, thereby improving the agent's effectiveness against the asphaltene plug.
[0019] Furthermore, the cyclic compound is an alicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon having a phenyl group, specifically including at least one of the following: the compound shown in Formula III, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, and naphthalene;
[0020] The compound represented by Formula III has a molecular weight of 125–133.
[0021]
[0022] In Formula III, N' is a cycloalkyl group - (CH2). n -、=(CH) n - where the number of carbon atoms in N' ranges from C2 to C4.
[0023] The cyclic compound has excellent properties in dissolving asphaltene blockages. It easily interacts with the multi-ring structure of asphaltene to promote the dissolution of asphaltene aggregates. Compared with other aromatic hydrocarbons, it has the characteristics of good and rapid dissolution effect.
[0024] Furthermore, the alcohol is an alkyl alcohol, and its molecular structure is shown in Formula IIII:
[0025] N3-OH (Formula IIII)
[0026] In the structure, N3 is an alkyl-C n H2 n+1 The number of carbon atoms in N3 ranges from C5 to C6. 10 It also includes alkyl isomers, which are one or more of C5-C10 alcohols.
[0027] The alcohols possess the properties of surfactants, which can improve the miscibility between agents and reduce the surface energy of the asphaltene blockage during the agent's action.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages is composed of the following raw materials in the indicated weight percentages: 50 wt.% organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, 25 wt.% amines, 20 wt.% cyclic compounds, and 5 wt.% alcohols.
[0029] Specifically, organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives are alkyl alcohol alkyl ether esters, amines are N,N-dimethylformamide, cyclic compounds are 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, and alcohols are heptadecanol.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages is composed of the following raw materials in the indicated weight percentages: 30 wt.% organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, 25 wt.% amines, 40 wt.% cyclic compounds, and 5 wt.% alcohols.
[0031] Specifically, organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives are alkyl alcohol alkyl ether esters, amines are N-pyrrolidones, cyclic compounds are naphthalenes, and alcohols are C8 alcohols.
[0032] The present invention also provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned oil-soluble asphaltene breaker that combines dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages.
[0033] The preparation method includes the following steps: mixing the above raw materials in a certain proportion to obtain the final product.
[0034] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0035] 1) The oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving agent provided by this invention, which combines dissolving and breaking down asphaltene blockages, has the advantages of simple preparation process, high flash point, high boiling point, low pour point, and good dissolving and breaking down effect. The above-mentioned agents are compounded according to the stated mass ratio to form the oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving agent, which has a density of 0.928–0.965 g / mL, a flash point of 70–80℃, a boiling point of 164–188℃, a pour point <-35℃, and is a colorless, transparent, or pale yellow homogeneous liquid. The dissolving and breaking down rate of asphaltene blockages can reach 90–95%, and it does not contain sulfur, chlorine, or halogen elements.
[0036] 2) The present invention provides an oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving agent that also dissolves and breaks down asphaltene blockages. Its organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives are excellent dissolving agents, capable of disrupting the aggregate structure of asphaltene blockages and increasing the contact area between the asphaltene components of the oil-soluble dissolving agent and the asphaltene blockages, thereby improving the dissolving and breaking effect. Its amide compounds enhance the agent's performance; amides are excellent penetrants, reducing the surface tension between the agent and the blockage, thus increasing the agent's effectiveness. Its cyclic compounds can form a stable structure with polycyclic asphaltene, promoting the dissolution of asphaltene blockages. Alcohols act as surfactants, improving the miscibility between agents and reducing the surface energy of the contact between the agent and the blockage.
[0037] 3) The oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving agent provided by this invention, which combines dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages, can be used to solve asphaltene blockage problems in conventional oil wells, high-temperature and high-pressure oil wells, formations, and gathering and transportation pipelines; or it can be added as a component of existing asphaltene dispersant systems to enhance the agent's performance. Compared with existing asphaltene dispersants, it has significant improvements in safety and breaking performance. Attached Figure Description
[0038] Figure 1 The image shows the effect evaluation of the oil-soluble asphaltene cracking agent prepared according to Example 1 of the present invention. The left image is the initial image of adding blocky asphaltene blockage to the oil-soluble asphaltene cracking agent, and the right image is the effect image after static soaking at room temperature for 10 minutes.
[0039] Figure 2 The image shows the effect evaluation of the oil-soluble asphaltene cracking agent prepared according to Comparative Example 1 of the present invention. Compared with the oil-soluble asphaltene cracking agent proposed in the present invention, the composition of the agent was changed so that the ratio of amines and cyclic compounds was 0, and the content of organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives was increased to 90 wt.%. The left image is the initial image of adding blocky asphaltene blockage to the comparative formula, and the right image is the effect image after static soaking at room temperature for 10 minutes. Detailed Implementation
[0040] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments. The given embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit its scope. The embodiments provided below can serve as a guide for further improvements by those skilled in the art and do not constitute a limitation on the invention in any way.
[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods used in the following examples are conventional methods, performed according to the techniques or conditions described in the literature in this field or according to the product instructions. Unless otherwise specified, the materials and reagents used in the following examples are commercially available.
[0042] Example 1:
[0043] This embodiment describes an oil-soluble asphaltene depressant that combines dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages, comprising the following raw materials by mass percentage: 50 wt.% organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, 25 wt.% amines, 20 wt.% cyclic compounds, and 5 wt.% alcohols.
[0044] Specifically, the organic carboxylic acid and its derivatives are 1-methoxy-2-propylpropionate (CAS: 148462-57-1), the amines are N,N-dimethylformamide, the cyclic compounds are 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, and the alcohols are heptadecanol.
[0045] During preparation, the above-mentioned raw materials are weighed and thoroughly mixed and stirred to obtain an oil-soluble asphaltene breaker that can dissolve and break up asphaltene blockages, as described in this embodiment.
[0046] This embodiment describes the preparation of an oil-soluble asphaltene blockage agent that combines dissolution and fragmentation of asphaltene plugs. The agent is a uniform, colorless or pale yellow liquid. Measurements show a 94% dissolution and fragmentation rate of the asphaltene blockage, and a flash point of 77.4℃. Its properties are shown in Table 1, and its solubility properties are shown in... Figure 1 .
[0047] Example 2:
[0048] This embodiment describes an oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving agent that also dissolves and breaks up asphaltene blockages. It comprises the following raw materials by weight percentage: 30 wt.% organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, 25 wt.% amines, 40 wt.% cyclic compounds, and 5 wt.% alcohols.
[0049] Specifically, the organic carboxylic acid and its derivatives are 2-ethoxy-ethyl acetate (CAS: 111-15-9), the amines are N-pyrrolidone, the cyclic compounds are naphthalene, and the alcohols are C8 alcohols.
[0050] During preparation, the above-mentioned raw materials are weighed and thoroughly mixed and stirred to obtain an oil-soluble asphaltene breaker that can dissolve and break up asphaltene blockages, as described in this embodiment.
[0051] The oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving agent prepared in this embodiment has the ability to dissolve and break up asphaltene blockages. It is a homogeneous, colorless or pale yellow liquid. Measurements show that it achieves a 92% dissolution and breaking-up rate for asphaltene blockages and has a flash point of 72°C. Its properties are shown in Table 1.
[0052] Example 3:
[0053] This embodiment describes an oil-soluble asphaltene decongestant that combines dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages, comprising the following raw materials by mass percentage: 40 wt.% organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, 15 wt.% amines, 37 wt.% cyclic compounds, and 8 wt.% alcohols.
[0054] Specifically, the organic carboxylic acid and its derivatives are 1-methoxy-2-propylpropionate, the amines are N,N-dimethylacetamide, the cyclic compounds are 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, and the alcohols are C8 alcohol.
[0055] During preparation, the above-mentioned raw materials are weighed and thoroughly mixed and stirred to obtain an oil-soluble asphaltene breaker that can dissolve and break up asphaltene blockages, as described in this embodiment.
[0056] The oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving agent prepared in this embodiment is a homogeneous colorless or pale yellow liquid. Measurements show that it achieves a 92.5% dissolution and breaking rate of the asphaltene blockage, with a flash point of 78℃. Its properties are shown in Table 1.
[0057] Comparative Example 1:
[0058] In this comparative example, regarding the preparation of an oil-soluble asphaltene decontaminant that combines dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages proposed in the invention, the raw material composition was adjusted to: 90 wt.% organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, 0 wt.% amines, 0 wt.% cyclic compounds, and 10 wt.% alcohols.
[0059] Specifically, the organic carboxylic acid and its derivatives are 1-methoxy-2-propylpropionate, and the alcohols are C8 alcohols.
[0060] During preparation, the above raw materials are weighed and thoroughly mixed and stirred to obtain an asphaltene blockage breaker free of amines and cyclic compounds, which serves as a comparative example. Solubility properties are shown in [reference needed]. Figure 2 .
[0061] By comparison Figure 1 and Figure 2 The effects are evident. Figure 1The chemical system has both dissolving and breaking properties against asphalt plugs. Figure 2 The comparative system of agents only has a breaking effect on asphalt blockages.
[0062] Table 1 Performance of Asphaltene Exudate Inhibitors
[0063]
[0064] Dissolution and breakage rate test method: This invention adopts conventional room temperature static evaluation, which can be divided into the following three steps.
[0065] (1) Prepare the asphalt fracturing agent according to the ratio and accurately measure 20 mL into the reagent bottle;
[0066] (2) Weigh 1g of asphalt plug with similar mass and appearance, and put 1g of plug into a reagent bottle containing the medicine;
[0067] (3) At room temperature, the static evaluation of the dissolution and breaking effect of the agent on the blockage was carried out for 30 minutes.
[0068] (4) After soaking, observe the dissolution and breakup effect of the blockage. If it is completely broken up and dissolved, it is considered to have a dissolution and breakup rate of 100%. Otherwise, filter and dry the insoluble matter, test the remaining weight of the blockage, and calculate the dissolution and breakup rate by dividing the mass difference of the blockage before and after by the initial mass.
[0069] The invention has been described with reference to typical embodiments, but it should be understood that the terms used herein are descriptive and explanatory, not limiting. Modifications and revisions can be made to the invention within the scope of the claims as specified herein, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention described herein relates to specific methods, materials, and embodiments, it does not mean that the invention is limited to the specific examples disclosed herein; on the contrary, the invention can be extended to all other methods and applications having the same function.
Claims
1. An oil-soluble asphaltene breaker capable of dissolving and breaking asphaltene plugs, consisting of the following raw materials in mass percentage: Organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives: 30 wt.%–50 wt.%, amines: 15 wt.%–25 wt.%, cyclic compounds: 20 wt.%–40 wt.%, alcohols: 5 wt.%–8 wt.%; The organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives are compounds with multifunctional groups, including ester groups and ether bonds; their structural formulas are shown in Formula I: The number of carbon atoms in formula I ranges from 1 to 2. The structural formula includes a middle alkylene group. It has a "secondary carbon" structure; The amines are amide compounds, including at least one of the following: the compound shown in Formula II, N-methylpyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylformamide, and N,N-dimethylacetamide; In Equation II, the number of carbon atoms in n' ranges from 1 to 2. ; The cyclic compound includes at least one of the following: 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, naphthalene.
2. The oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving and breaking agent according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molecular weight range of the compounds represented by Formula I is 132 to 272.
3. The oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving and breaking agent for asphaltene blockages according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that: The alcohols are alkyl alcohols, and their molecular structures are shown in Formula IIII: In the structure, N3 is an alkyl-C n H2 n+1 The number of carbon atoms in N3 ranges from 100 to 100. .
4. The oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving and breaking agent according to claim 3, characterized in that: The N3 in the alkyl alcohol includes alkyl isomers.
5. The oil-soluble asphaltene dissolving and breaking agent for asphaltene blockages according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The composite asphalt-based disintegrating agent has a density of 0.928 ~ 0.965 g / mL, a flash point of 70 ~ 80 ℃, a boiling point of 164 ~ 188 ℃, a pour point of < -30 ℃, and is a colorless, transparent or pale yellow homogeneous liquid. The dissolution and disintegration rate of asphalt blockages can reach 90% ~ 95%, and it does not contain sulfur or halogen elements.
6. A method for preparing the oil-soluble asphaltene cracking agent that combines dissolving and breaking up asphaltene blockages according to any one of claims 1-5, comprising the following steps: mixing the raw materials of the oil-soluble asphaltene cracking agent according to any one of claims 1-5 in a certain proportion to obtain the product.