Calcium Naphthenate Dissolution Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of calcium naphthenate deposits in hydrocarbon wells and production equipment leads to reduced production efficiency, as these deposits can plug perforations, adhere to equipment, and form floating and suspended solids that hinder oil-water separation.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least one carboxylic acid, such as ethanoic acid, and a mutual solvent like ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, which is used to dissolve calcium naphthenate solids in the presence of water, effectively treating downhole wells and topside production equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual removal of calcium naphthenate deposits is performed, then deposits can be physically removed, but it requires personnel entering hazardous environments, dismantling equipment, and is extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal with a chemical dissolution system. The composition containing carboxylic acid and solvent chemically reacts with and dissolves calcium naphthenate deposits, eliminating the need for personnel to manually dig out or mechanically remove solids from hazardous environments and complicated equipment configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a chemical intermediary system (the dissolution composition) that mediates between the calcium naphthenate deposits and the removal process. The composition acts as an intermediary substance that chemically interacts with the deposits to transform them from solid, inaccessible material into dissolved form, enabling remote and efficient removal without direct human exposure.
2Reliability
If high concentrations of acid and chemical inhibitor are used to prevent calcium naphthenate formation, then scale formation is reduced, but the cost and complexity of monitoring and adjusting chemical injection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dissolution composition by using specific carboxylic acids and solvents in controlled ratios. This creates a formulation that effectively dissolves calcium naphthenate without requiring high concentrations of acid or multiple chemical inhibitors, simplifying the chemical injection system while maintaining reliability in preventing scale formation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dissolution composition is used in the presence of water, then it can treat produced water and oil mixtures, but phase separation may occur reducing dissolution effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a solvent as an intermediary that is compatible with both the carboxylic acid and water. This solvent intermediary forms a single-phase system that accommodates the presence of water while maintaining the dissolution chemistry effective against calcium naphthenate, preventing phase separation and ensuring reliable performance in aqueous environments.
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 solution allows for quick and efficient dissolution of calcium naphthenate deposits, reducing downtime and operational costs, while also being compatible with water and capable of maintaining a single phase, even in the presence of produced water.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one carboxylic acid is selected to be compatible with the solvent and form calcium carboxylate salts that have a high level of solubility in water when exposed to naphthenic acid solids
Implementation Method 2
a mutual solvent comprising ethylene glycol monobutyl ether... which is used to dissolve calcium naphthenate solids in the presence of water
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a composition for the dissolution of calcium naphthenate solids in the presence of water. The composition contains at least one carboxylic acid; and a mutual solvent comprising ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.