Bi-functionalized Ester Polymers for Crude Oil Emulsion Breaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing demulsifiers, such as linear ethylene oxide/propylene oxide (EO/PO) copolymers, suffer from low polydispersity, low functionality, and lack of flexibility, limiting their effectiveness in breaking oil-in-water emulsions, especially under increasing water cut conditions in the oilfield industry.
Innovation Solution
The development of bi-functionalized ester-based compounds, specifically polymers with a triblock alkylene oxide structure, which offer high polydispersity, increased hydrophilicity, and flexibility, enabling them to be used as hybrid demulsifiers for both dropper and treater applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear EO/PO copolymers are used as demulsifiers, then the emulsion breaking function is provided, but the polydispersity is low and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite demulsifier structure by combining EO/PO copolymer chains with ester functional groups. This composite approach integrates the emulsion-breaking capability of the copolymer with the enhanced functionality of ester groups, achieving both high polydispersity and high functionality simultaneously. The bi-functionalized ester-based compound acts as a hybrid material that performs both dropper and treater functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The demulsifier is designed with multi-functionality to perform both dropper (breaking emulsions) and treater (treating crude oil) functions. The bi-functionalized ester structure provides universal applicability across different demulsification scenarios, eliminating the need for separate specialized demulsifiers for different functions.
2Strength
If molecular weight of demulsifier is increased, then the viscosity increases, but the performance reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameters of the EO/PO copolymer chains within specific ranges (x, x′: 10-40; y, y′: 50-80; z, z′: 10-40). By controlling these parameters, the demulsifier achieves optimal balance between molecular weight, viscosity, and performance. The bi-functionalized ester structure further modifies the physical properties to maintain low viscosity while enhancing demulsification strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If linear EO/PO copolymers are used, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility and polydispersity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The demulsifier molecule is segmented into distinct EO and PO blocks with specific length ranges. This segmentation provides flexibility to the molecular structure while maintaining a well-defined architecture. The bi-functionalized ester groups are positioned at specific segments, creating a structured yet flexible molecule that can adapt to different emulsion interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The EO/PO copolymer structure provides dynamic flexibility through the different glass transition temperatures of EO and PO segments. The softer EO segments provide flexibility and adaptability, while the PO segments provide structural integrity. This dynamic structure allows the demulsifier to adapt to varying field conditions and emulsion types.
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
These bi-functionalized ester-based polymers demonstrate improved water separation performance compared to traditional demulsifiers, allowing for the efficient dewatering of larger volumes of water from crude oil emulsions, even under challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Bi-functionalized ester-based compounds for breaking crude oil emulsions
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to bi-functionalized ester-based polymers that are useful as demulsifiers for water-in-oil emulsions. Also provided are methods of dewatering water-in-oil emulsions using compositions containing the bi-functionalized ester-based polymers.