Biochemical EOR Composition Dissolves Scale Deposits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of scale deposits in hydrocarbon-producing facilities leads to structural failure and production inefficiency, as these deposits reduce the inner diameter of piping, increase roughness, and require costly maintenance and repairs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional biochemical composition comprising biosurfactants, chelating agents, and solvents, specifically rhamnolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids, and a mixture of lactonic and acidic sophorolipids, is used to enhance oil recovery by dissolving and dispersing scale deposits, sequestering heavy metals, and preventing asphaltene agglomeration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical removal methods (scrapers, cutters, milling, jetting) are used to remove scale deposits, then deposits can be physically removed from surfaces, but the inner diameter of piping is further reduced, roughness increases, and steel tubulars and valves can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical removal methods with a biochemical composition that chemically dissolves and disperses scale deposits. The composition contains biosurfactants, chelating agents, and solvents that work together to break down deposits without physical contact, eliminating damage to steel tubulars and valves while maintaining effective deposit removal
Solution Approach 2:
The biochemical composition acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates deposit removal through chemical interaction rather than mechanical force. The chelating agents and solvents mediate between the scale deposits and the environment, breaking down the deposits into soluble or dispersible forms that can be flushed away without damaging the underlying metal surfaces
2Reliability
If chemical removal methods (acids, solvents, surfactants) are used to dissolve scale deposits, then deposits can be solubilized and removed, but the chemicals can be toxic, highly electrolytic, and incompatible with elastomers-rubber or plastic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the removal agent by using biosurfactants with mild surface activity instead of strong acids. The composition maintains effective scale dissolution through chelating agents that bind metal ions, while the biosurfactant-based system operates at neutral or near-neutral pH, eliminating toxicity and incompatibility issues with elastomers and plastics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite biochemical composition that combines multiple gentler agents (biosurfactants, chelating agents, solvents) to achieve the scale-dissolving effectiveness previously requiring harsh acids. This composite approach allows each component to contribute its specific function while the overall system remains environmentally friendly and compatible with various materials
3Productivity
If thick scale deposits accumulate in structures over time, then production gradually decreases and pump pressure increases, but complete blockage occurs and maintenance/repair costs become extremely expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the biochemical composition as a preventive maintenance treatment that dissolves scale deposits before they can accumulate to problematic thicknesses. By regularly injecting the composition into the system, scale is kept in solution or removed at early stages, preventing the progressive decline in production and avoiding costly emergency repairs and shutdowns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous protection against scale accumulation by implementing ongoing injection of the biochemical composition. This continuous action maintains deposit-free flow paths, ensuring consistent production rates and eliminating the cyclical pattern of accumulation, production decline, expensive intervention, and restoration
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, dissolves scale deposits, sequesters heavy metals, and prevents asphaltene agglomeration, thereby improving oil recovery rates, maintaining equipment integrity, and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The composition comprises one or more biosurfactants... wherein the one or more biosurfactants are rhamnolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids and/or a mixture of lactonic and acidic sophorolipids
Implementation Method 2
The composition comprises one or more chelating agents... sequestering heavy metals
Implementation Method 3
The composition comprises one or more solvents... dissolving and dispersing scale deposits
Implementation Method 4
increasing the wettability of formation rock
Implementation Method 5
reducing capillary pressure in formation rock pores
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides multi-functional biochemical compositions, as well as their use in enhancing oil recovery from an oil-bearing subterranean formation. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are operationally-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a multi-functional composition for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) comprising one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, and one or more solvents.