Chelating Emulsion Composition for Low-Temperature Sulfate Scale Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing petroleum-contaminated barium sulfate scale in oilfield operations are inefficient, requiring high temperatures, long treatment times, and mechanical intervention, which leads to significant downtime and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous caustic composition comprising a chelating agent, counterion component, scale removal enhancer, non-ionic surfactant, and emulsion, which allows for the removal of petroleum-contaminated barium sulfate scale at lower temperatures and pH levels, enhancing solubility and reducing treatment time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical means are used to remove sulfate scale, then scale removal is achieved, but operational downtime and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scale removal methods with a chemical solution comprising chelating agents (EDTA, DTPA), surfactants, and scale inhibitors that dissolve sulfate scale in-situ, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention and associated operational downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition modifies the solubility parameters of barium sulfate scale through chelation and surfactant action, enabling dissolution at lower temperatures and without mechanical force, thereby avoiding operational interruptions
2Productivity
If high temperature treatment is used to remove barium sulfate scale, then dissolution rate improves, but energy consumption and handling risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment system by incorporating chelating agents and surfactants that enhance scale dissolution at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective dissolution rates
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition combines multiple components (chelating agents, surfactants, scale inhibitors) that work synergistically to improve dissolution efficiency at reduced temperatures, lowering energy requirements while maintaining productivity
3Reliability
If high pH caustic composition is used to remove petroleum-contaminated scale, then scale dissolution is enhanced, but safety risks from high-pH handling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pH parameter of the treatment composition by incorporating buffering agents and alternative caustic components that reduce the overall pH while maintaining scale dissolution effectiveness, thereby lowering safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
The composition uses intermediary substances such as surfactants and chelating agents that facilitate scale dissolution without requiring extremely high pH levels, acting as mediators that reduce the harmful effects of strong caustic conditions
4Reliability
If conventional chemical inhibitors are used to prevent scale formation, then scaling is controlled, but they cannot effectively remove already formed petroleum-contaminated scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal chemical composition that performs multiple functions: preventing scale formation through inhibitors, dissolving existing scale through chelating agents, and removing petroleum contamination through surfactants, making it effective for both prevention and removal of various scale types
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment composition is a composite formulation combining scale inhibitors, chelating agents, and surfactants that work together to address both prevention and removal challenges, providing versatility against different scale compositions and contamination levels
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 removes barium sulfate scale with improved dissolution rates and reduced downtime, lowering operational costs and enhancing safety by minimizing high-pH handling risks.
Implementation Method 1
a chelating agent
Implementation Method 2
a non-ionic surfactant
Implementation Method 3
an emulsion comprising: water; optionally, a hydrotrope; optionally, 3-Methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol (MMB) or isopropanol; an alkanolamine; a surfactant selected from a group consisting of: a sulfonate surfactant; an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant; and a combination thereof; a non-ionic surfactant; and an oil phase
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous caustic composition comprising an emulsion for use in removing petroleum-contaminated barium sulfate scale from a surface contaminated with such, said composition comprising: a chelating agent and a counterion component selected from the group consisting of: Li5DTPA; Na5DTPA; K5DTPA; Cs5DTPA; Na4EDTA; K4EDTA; TEAH4DTPA; and TBAH4DTPA; a scale removal enhancer; a non-ionic surfactant; and said emulsion comprising: water; optionally, a hydrotrope; optionally, 3-Methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol (MMB) or isopropanol; an alkanolamine; a surfactant selected from a group consisting of: a sulfonate surfactant; an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant; and a combination thereof; a non-ionic surfactant; and an oil phase.