Solids Detection in Oil Emulsions via Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting solids in oil and emulsions are time-consuming and require onshore analysis, making it difficult to monitor and control the presence of solids in real-time, especially in offshore environments with high water content, leading to operational issues like interface drag and equipment fouling.
Innovation Solution
A method based on light absorption and scattering by solids in solution, using a binary solvent mixture to clarify the medium, allowing for quick and accurate measurement of solids content using UV-visible spectroscopy, enabling offshore analysis and optimized control of scale inhibitors and calcium naphthenates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ASTM 4807 standard method is used for solids determination, then measurement precision is improved, but analysis time increases excessively and onshore disembarkation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gravimetric method (filtration, drying, weighing) with an optical measurement system. A flow cell with optical sensors measures light absorption and scattering properties of the emulsion, enabling rapid solids content determination without mechanical separation or drying steps. This substitution reduces analysis time from over 12 hours to minutes while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow cell as an intermediary device that allows inline measurement of solids content. The flow cell contains the emulsion sample and enables optical measurement without requiring sample removal or complex preparation. This intermediary facilitates rapid measurement while preserving the connection to the production system, eliminating the need for onshore disembarkation.
2Measurement precision
If the ASTM 4807 standard method is used for solids determination, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the procedure increases due to multiple steps and onshore requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical procedure (filtration apparatus, drying oven, analytical balance) with a simplified optical measurement system. The flow cell with light source and detectors provides a direct measurement approach that eliminates multiple manual steps, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining measurement capability for solids content determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to be self-contained and perform measurements inline without requiring external laboratory equipment or onshore facilities. The flow cell integrates sample handling and measurement in one device, making the system self-sufficient for offshore operation and eliminating the need for complex external procedures.
3Measurement precision
If conventional filtration and gravimetry methods are used, then solids content can be determined, but preventive operational follow-up becomes impossible due to time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous inline measurement through the flow cell system, which constantly monitors solids content as the emulsion flows through it. This continuous measurement capability provides real-time data for operational decision-making, enabling preventive actions to be taken immediately when solids content approaches problematic levels, rather than waiting for periodic batch analysis results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides advance warning by continuously monitoring solids content trends, allowing operators to take preliminary actions (such as adjusting chemical dosing or process parameters) before solids accumulation reaches levels that cause operational problems. This preliminary detection capability transforms the measurement system from a diagnostic tool to a predictive control tool.
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
Enables rapid and reliable detection of solids in oil and emulsions, even with high water content, facilitating preventive actions and optimized chemical dosages, reducing interface drag and water treatment system overload, and improving operational control in both offshore and onshore systems.
Implementation Method 1
A binary mixture of solvents X, an aromatic one (toluene, p-xylene, o-xylene, p-xylene, xylenes, among others) and an oxygenate of the class of glycols (ethylene glycol, butyl glycol, among others), whose concentration of the latter varies from 20 to 80% (v/v), is transferred to the volumetric flask
Implementation Method 2
The present invention addresses to a method for analysis and detection of solids in samples of emulsions, oil and derivatives thereof, based on the absorption and scattering of light by solids suspended in solution
Implementation Method 3
based on the absorption and scattering of light by solids suspended in solution
Implementation Method 4
an aliquot of the Y mixture is taken to read the absorbance in a photometer, using a measuring cell or cuvette with an optical path of at least 10 millimeters. The absorbance reading is performed at a defined wavelength in the ultraviolet-visible region
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses to a method for analyzing and detecting solids in emulsions, oil and derivatives thereof even in the presence of high contents of water (>5% v/v), which is based on the absorption and scattering of light by solids suspended in solution.The application of the method of this invention contributes to greater reliability in terms of control of BSW (oil quality) and OGC (water to be treated and discarded). Additionally, there is the possibility of controlling the dosage of products such as scale inhibitors and naphthenates inhibitors, optimizing the dosage and minimizing operational occurrences associated with the formation of deposits. These eventually lead to equipment clogging throughout the process.