Capillary Viscometer Demulsifier Screening Live Emulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the oil and gas industry is the operational difficulties caused by hydrocarbon liquid-water emulsions, which can lead to equipment tripping, off-spec crude oil production, increased pressure, corrosion, and catalyst poisoning in processing facilities, necessitating effective demulsification to meet transportation, storage, and export standards.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a capillary viscometer and imaging system to evaluate the effectiveness of demulsifiers by measuring viscosity changes and capturing images of emulsion breakdown over time, allowing for the classification of emulsion strength and demulsifier effectiveness under dynamic conditions simulating subsurface reservoir and processing facility temperatures and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static testing at room temperature is used to evaluate demulsifiers, then testing simplicity is improved, but measurement accuracy and representativeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from static room temperature conditions to dynamic flowing conditions that replicate subsurface reservoir temperatures and pressures. The capillary viscometer enables testing under controlled temperature and pressure parameters while maintaining continuous fluid flow, thereby improving measurement accuracy without significantly complicating the testing procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by changing from static testing to dynamic flowing conditions. The capillary viscometer continuously flows the emulsion and demulsifier mixture through the measurement zone, simulating actual production conditions where fluids are in constant motion. This dynamic approach provides more representative demulsifier performance data
2Measurement precision
If demulsifiers are tested under flowing conditions simulating subsurface conditions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary viscometer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures viscosity, maintains controlled temperature and pressure conditions, enables continuous flowing of the emulsion-demulsifier mixture, and provides a controlled environment for demulsification. This multi-functionality achieves accurate subsurface condition simulation without requiring multiple separate complex devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical mixing and agitation systems with a straightforward capillary flow system. The continuous flow through the capillary tube provides sufficient mixing and contact between emulsion and demulsifier without requiring complex mechanical components, thereby achieving accurate measurements with relatively simple apparatus
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
This approach provides objective and scientifically accurate assessments of demulsifier performance, avoiding artifacts from static testing and room temperature conditions, resulting in more representative and accurate demulsification results.
Implementation Method 1
A live emulsion of a live hydrocarbon sample and a water sample is flowed through a capillary viscometer. Using the capillary viscometer, change in a viscosity of the live emulsion over time resulting from the breakdown of the live emulsion due to the demulsifier sample is measured.
Implementation Method 2
Multiple images of the breakdown of the live emulsion over time are captured
Data Source
AI summary
Certain implementations of the subject matter can be implemented to screen demulsifiers. A live emulsion of a live hydrocarbon sample and a water sample is flowed through a capillary viscometer. The live hydrocarbon sample includes dissolved gases retrieved from a hydrocarbon-carrying reservoir. While flowing the live emulsion through the capillary viscometer, a demulsifier sample is flowed through the capillary viscometer. The demulsifier sample is capable of causing breakdown of the live emulsion. Using the capillary viscometer, change in a viscosity of the live emulsion over time resulting from the breakdown of the live emulsion due to the demulsifier sample is measured. Multiple images of the breakdown of the live emulsion over time are captured. A strength of the live emulsion is classified based, in part, on the change in the viscosity of the live emulsion over time and on the plurality of images.