Acid Composition with Chelating Agents for Scale Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing scale deposits in oil and gas production facilities are inefficient and costly, leading to reduced production rates and equipment damage, with existing chemical treatments like acidizing being corrosive and expensive, and mechanical methods being destructive and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional biochemical composition comprising concentrated acids, surfactants, chelating agents, and solvents, including biosurfactants and biodegradable ingredients, is used to enhance oil recovery by dissolving and dispersing scale deposits, preventing asphaltene agglomeration, and improving the mobility of crude oil, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If concentrated acids are used for scale removal, then deposit removal effectiveness is improved, but equipment corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses complexing agents as intermediaries that bind to metal ions in scale deposits, facilitating their removal by acids while reducing direct corrosive attack on equipment. The complexing agents act as mediators between the acid and metal surfaces, controlling the dissolution process and protecting equipment from excessive corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite chemical formulations combining concentrated acids with complexing agents, surfactants, and inhibitors. This composite approach allows the solution to simultaneously achieve effective scale removal while incorporating protective components that reduce corrosion, balancing both requirements within a single treatment composition.
2Productivity
If mechanical removal methods are used, then deposit removal effectiveness is improved, but equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical removal methods (scrapers, cutters, milling) with chemical dissolution processes. The acid-based composition chemically dissolves scale deposits without physical contact or mechanical force, eliminating the risk of equipment damage associated with mechanical tools while maintaining effective deposit removal.
3Speed
If acid concentration is increased, then scale dissolution rate is improved, but corrosion rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the concentration parameters of the acid solution and incorporates complexing agents that modify the chemical environment. By changing the composition parameters rather than simply increasing acid concentration, the system achieves high scale dissolution rates while the complexing agents control the corrosion rate through metal ion complexation, preventing uncontrolled corrosive reactions.
4Productivity
If conventional chemical treatments are used, then deposit removal is achieved, but treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional treatment composition that simultaneously performs scale removal, corrosion inhibition, and equipment protection in a single application. This universal formulation eliminates the need for multiple separate treatment steps and materials, reducing overall treatment costs while maintaining effective deposit removal through the synergistic combination of active components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively stimulates oil flow, prevents deposit formation, and maintains equipment integrity, increasing oil recovery rates and extending equipment lifespan while reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The acid restores the permeability of the formation by dissolving the sediments and mud solids that plug the rock pores
Implementation Method 2
one or more surfactants... preventing asphaltene agglomeration
Implementation Method 3
one or more chelating agents... dissolving and dispersing scale deposits
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides multi-functional biochemical compositions, as well as their use in enhancing oil recovery by, for example, enhancing traditional acid treatments. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are operationally-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly approaches to enhancing oil recovery. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a multi-functional composition for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) comprising one or more concentrated acids that work in synergy with a combination of one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, and one or more solvents to stimulate the flow of oil from a formation.