Downhole emulsification for improving paraffinic crude production
Conference
·
· Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5374875
The downhole emulsification process has been used to improve the producibility and reduce the operating cost of oil wells that produce waxy, paraffinic crude. To apply the process, a surface-active chemical (surfactant) is injected into the well bore to form an oil-in-water emulsion downhole. Produced water in this emulsion wets the steel surfaces with a water film that reduces the adherence of oil and wax. This improves well operation and reduces the need to periodically remove wax deposits by hot-oiling or other means. Benefits from the process have been demonstrated in a 4-mo. field tests involving 6 pumping wells that produce a paraffinic crude with a 105$F pour point. Wax deposition in wells and flow lines was significantly reduced during treatment with surfactant, permitting 44% fewer hot-oil jobs. Average net gain from reduced operating cost and increased production from the test wells was about $1,870 per well per yr.
- Research Organization:
- Chevron Research Co.
- OSTI ID:
- 5374875
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-690997-
- Conference Information:
- Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE2676
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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