Ether-Based Solvents for Paraffin and Asphaltene Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heavy hydrocarbons such as paraffins and asphaltenes in oil and gas wells pose challenges due to their tendency to precipitate and form deposits, which inhibit production and cause equipment fouling, and existing solvents like BETX face environmental and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

Compositions and methods utilizing ethers with 8-30 carbon atoms, combined with surfactants and co-solvents, are used to remove and inhibit paraffin and asphaltene deposits, maintaining them dispersed in crude oil, with a focus on high flash point solvents to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If BETX (benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene) is used to remove paraffin deposits, then deposit removal effectiveness is improved, but environmental safety and handling safety worsen due to environmental concerns, governmental regulations, and low flashpoint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit removal effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental safety and handling safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter of the solvent from low flashpoint aromatic hydrocarbons (BETX) to high flashpoint aliphatic hydrocarbons (isoparaffins with flash points above 100°C). This parameter change maintains the solvent's ability to dissolve and remove paraffin deposits while eliminating the safety and environmental hazards associated with low flashpoint solvents and aromatic compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive and hazardous BETX solvents with cheaper, safer isoparaffinic hydrocarbons that can be readily disposed of or evaporated without environmental harm. The isoparaffins serve as a disposable-friendly alternative that eliminates the need for complex waste handling procedures required for aromatic solvents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Temperature

If temperature is reduced below the solubility temperature of paraffins, then paraffin precipitation occurs, but production inhibition and equipment fouling worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature reductionVSAvoidproduction inhibition and equipment fouling

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces isoparaffinic hydrocarbons as an intermediary substance that mediates between the crude oil and paraffin deposits. This intermediary solvent prevents direct paraffin precipitation by maintaining solubility at lower temperatures, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of paraffin deposition while allowing temperature reduction for other operational purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-treating the crude oil system with isoparaffinic hydrocarbons before temperature reduction occurs. This preliminary treatment prevents paraffin precipitation from occurring in the first place, countering the harmful effect before it can manifest as equipment fouling or production inhibition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If asphaltenes are allowed to precipitate, then natural resin desorption occurs, but production lines and storage tanks become fouled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin desorptionVSAvoidequipment fouling

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses isoparaffinic hydrocarbons as an intermediary that interferes with the asphaltene-resin interaction. The intermediary solvent prevents asphaltenes from precipitating by competing for interaction with the crude oil components, thereby maintaining system stability while preventing the harmful fouling that would result from natural resin desorption and asphaltene precipitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 proposed solution effectively removes and prevents the formation of paraffin and asphaltene deposits, maintaining them dispersed in crude oil, achieving comparable efficacy to d-limonene while offering a higher flash point and stability, thus addressing the challenges of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

Compositions and methods utilizing ethers with 8-30 carbon atoms, combined with surfactants and co-solvents, are used to remove and inhibit paraffin and asphaltene deposits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS10711175B2Compositions and methods for controlling paraffin and asphaltene problems in wells

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 SASOL PERFORMANCE CHEM GMBH

AI summary

A composition and method for controlling heavy hydrocarbons in down-hole environments and with associated equipment used in oil and gas well operations. The composition and method comprising an ether and optionally an ester, an alkoxylated alcohol or a hydrocarbon co-solvent. The compositions and methods are useful in controlling heavy hydrocarbons such as paraffins and asphaltenes by dissolving paraffins, suspending paraffins and asphaltenes and dissolving heavy oils, both down-hole and with associated equipment.