Multifunctional EOR Composition for H2S Control and Corrosion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces significant challenges with microbial influenced corrosion (MIC) due to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), leading to equipment corrosion and reduced oil recovery efficiency, with existing solutions being costly, environmentally unfriendly, and ineffective in cold temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional composition comprising antimicrobial biosurfactants, ammonium salts, and H2S scavengers, along with an antifreeze mixture, is injected into oil and gas formations to reduce H2S levels, control SRB growth, and prevent corrosion, while maintaining effectiveness in cold temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional biocides are used to control SRB, then H2S production is reduced, but environmental pollution increases and treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of oxygen (which causes corrosion in anaerobic environments) into a beneficial tool by introducing controlled oxygenation through peroxide compounds. This oxygenation kills SRB and reduces H2S production without requiring toxic conventional biocides, thus eliminating environmental pollution while achieving the desired reduction in H2S.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment by introducing peroxide compounds that decompose to release oxygen, fundamentally altering the redox conditions in the wellbore. This parameter change from anaerobic to oxidizing conditions eliminates SRB activity and H2S production without using harmful biocides.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional biocides are used to control SRB, then H2S production is reduced, but treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive conventional biocides with peroxide compounds that generate oxygen in situ. This conversion uses a cheaper, more efficient mechanism to kill SRB and reduce H2S production, thereby reducing treatment costs while achieving the same harmful factor reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The peroxide compounds decompose spontaneously to release oxygen, which then serves to kill SRB and reduce H2S production. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous biocide addition and reduces operational costs associated with handling and applying conventional biocides.
3Productivity
If standard composition is used for EOR, then oil recovery is enhanced, but composition freezes in cold temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the composition by adding antifreeze agents that lower the freezing point. This allows the EOR composition to maintain its fluid properties and effectiveness in cold temperatures, enabling oil recovery enhancement in previously unsuitable environmental conditions.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If oxygen is introduced to kill SRB, then H2S production is reduced, but corrosion of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment process into two distinct phases: first, oxygenation to kill SRB and reduce H2S production; second, biocide application to control aerobic bacteria that cause corrosion. This segmentation allows each phase to address its specific target without causing unwanted side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous protection by following up the oxygenation treatment with biocide application. This continuous action ensures that while SRB are eliminated, any aerobic bacteria that may cause corrosion are also controlled, preventing the development of new corrosion problems.
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 reduces H2S concentrations, inhibits SRB growth, and enhances oil recovery, improving the quality and safety of oil and gas production while preventing corrosion and equipment deterioration, even in cold environments.
Implementation Method 1
The microbial processes proceeding in MEOR can be classified according to the oil production problem in the field... biosurfactants, biopolymers, acids, solvents, gases, and enzymes modify the properties of the oil and the interactions between oil, water, and the porous media, thereby increasing the mobility... of oil
Implementation Method 2
A multi-functional composition comprising antimicrobial biosurfactants, ammonium salts, and H2S scavengers, along with an antifreeze mixture, is injected into oil and gas formations to reduce H2S levels... and prevent corrosion
Implementation Method 3
The composition effectively reduces H2S concentrations, inhibits SRB growth... preventing corrosion and equipment deterioration... One major factor affecting the safety and efficiency of crude oil and natural gas production and the integrity of equipment is the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas
Implementation Method 4
along with an antifreeze mixture, is injected into oil and gas formations... maintaining effectiveness in cold temperatures... even in cold environments
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides compositions and methods for simultaneously enhancing oil recovery, improving the quality of oil and gas through reduction in sulfur-containing compounds, and preventing and/or reducing corrosion of oil and gas production equipment. A multi-functional composition is provided comprising an antimicrobial biosurfactant component, a first ammonium salt, and ammonium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the efficiency of the composition is further enhanced by the addition of a chelating agent, a phenol (e.g., carbolic acid or phenolic acid), and/or an H2S scavenger. In some embodiments, the composition is further enhanced for use in cold climates by the addition of an antifreeze mixture comprising one or more of a second ammonium salt, sodium chloride and glycerol.