Non-emulsifying Anti-sludge Composition for Acid Well Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current acidizing treatments for crude hydrocarbon wells face challenges in consistently preventing sludge and emulsion formation, particularly with live and spent acid conditions, leading to reduced efficacy and impeded fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, propargyl alcohol, and alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acid derivative in an alkyl alcohol solvent, such as methanol, is used to inhibit emulsion formation and act as an antisludge and corrosion inhibitor, effectively addressing both live and spent acid emulsions across a range of crude oils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If aqueous acid solution is pumped downhole to react with subterranean hydrocarbon containing formations, then pore size is increased and passageways are enlarged, but asphaltene precipitates form which block passageways and reduce treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-emulsifying antisludge compositions as intermediary substances that mediate between the aqueous acid solution and asphaltene precipitates. These compositions include specific ratios of anionic surfactants (0.5-5% by weight), nonionic surfactants (1-10% by weight), and corrosion inhibitors, which act as mediators to prevent asphaltene deposition on formation surfaces while maintaining acidizing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite chemical formulations combining multiple functional components: anionic surfactants (such as alkyl aryl sulfonates), nonionic surfactants (such as ethoxylated alcohols), and corrosion inhibitors (such as acetylenic alcohols). This composite approach creates a synergistic effect that simultaneously addresses asphaltene control, emulsion prevention, and corrosion protection during acidizing operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If crude hydrocarbons containing emulsion-stabilizing chemicals contact aqueous acid under shear conditions, then emulsions are formed which stabilize for many hours, but fluid viscosity increases significantly impeding flow into and out from well bore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating non-emulsifying antisludge compositions into the acidizing solution before injection. These pre-formulated compositions contain specific concentrations of anionic and nonionic surfactants that proactively counteract emulsion formation tendencies when the acid contacts crude hydrocarbons under shear conditions, preventing viscosity increase before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the chemical composition parameters of the acidizing solution, specifically controlling the ratio and concentration of anionic to nonionic surfactants, and optimizing the concentration of corrosion inhibitors. These parameter adjustments change the interfacial properties between oil and water phases, preventing stable emulsion formation while maintaining effective acidizing.
3Reliability
If known compositions including anionic alkyl aryl sulfonic acid combined with nonethoxylated glycols and acetylenic alcohols are used, then sludge and emulsion formation is reduced for some crude types, but consistent performance is not achieved across wide variety of crudes and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by formulating a multi-functional composition that effectively addresses sludge control, emulsion prevention, and corrosion inhibition across diverse crude oil types and acidizing conditions. The composition includes broad-spectrum anionic surfactants (0.5-5% by weight), nonionic surfactants (1-10% by weight), and corrosion inhibitors (0.1-2% by weight), creating a universally effective formulation that adapts to various crude chemistries and field conditions.
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 prevents and resolves emulsions and sludge formation at high acid treatment levels, maintaining stability at elevated temperatures and providing a versatile, easy-to-mix formulation for field use, ensuring consistent performance and improved fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The composition includes an alkyl aryl sulfonic acid or salt thereof, an acetylenic alcohol, an alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acid or derivative thereof, in an alkyl alcohol solvent
Implementation Method 2
a composition for controlling sludge and emulsion formation, the composition including a mixture of an anionic alkyl aryl sulfonic acid or sulfonate combined with nonethoxylated glycols and acetylenic alcohols in an alkyl alcohol solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for inhibiting or preventing the formation of emulsions in the presence of treating acids during the acid stimulation of hydrocarbon wells is provided. The composition includes an alkyl aryl sulfonic acid or salt thereof, an acetylenic alcohol, an alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acid or derivative thereof, in an alkyl alcohol solvent. The disclosed compositions can be used in an acid treatment solution, such as 15% hydrochloric acid, to prevent and resolve live acid and spent acid emulsions for a wide range of crude oils.