Controls on the distribution of alkylphenols and BTEX in oilfield waters
- Univ. of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom)
Controls on the abundance of alkylphenols and BTEX in oilfield waters are poorly understood, but are important because these species are the main dissolved pollutants in produced waters and may also be used as indicators of both the proximity and migration range of petroleum. Using (1) measurements of alkyl phenols and BTEX in oilfield waters and associated petroleums, and (b) oil/water partition coefficients under subsurface conditions we conclude that: (1) The distribution of alkylphenols and BTEX in formation waters are controlled by partition equilibrium with petroleum. Phenol and benzene typically account for 50% of total phenols and total BTEX respectively. (2) The concentrations of alkylphenols and BTEX in produced waters equilibriated with oil in reservoirs or in separator systems vary predictably as a function of pressure, temperature and salinity. This suggests that oil/water partition is the primary control influencing the distribution of alkylphenols and BTEX in oilfield waters and that other processes such as hydrolysis processes at the oil-water contact are secondary.
- OSTI ID:
- 370499
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960376-; TRN: 96:003805-0551
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Spring national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), New Orleans, LA (United States), 24-28 Mar 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of 211th ACS national meeting; PB: 2284 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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