Causes and solutions to surface facilities upsets following acid stimulation in the Gulf of Mexico
Severe upsets frequently occur in surface treating facilities following acid stimulation in the Gulf of Mexico. Such upsets usually occur after fluids from the stimulated well are commingled with fluids in the system. Often, the emulsions formed are extremely difficult to treat; requiring either large amounts of chemicals or unusually long separation times. These problems combined with the more stringent discharge limits on produced water in the Gulf of Mexico make the control of acid flowbacks a vital consideration in maintaining an acceptable and consistent discharge water quality. This paper presents test data on the effects of acid and acid additives on emulsion and water treating in the Gulf of Mexico. This work also discusses the test methods developed to select acid additives and treating chemicals that will allow the producer to more consistently and cost effectively treat both oil and water while the acid flowback is in the system. System results are also presented that confirm the importance of the joint selection of acid and surface treating additives and that significant cost savings can be gained by using this process. Also discussed are the proper system application techniques for treating chemicals which can minimize surface treating problems due to acid flowbacks.
- OSTI ID:
- 372367
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950433--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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