Experimental and Theoretical Investigations Into New Invert Emulsion Scale Squeeze Technology

Abstract

Experimental and Theoretical Investigations Into New Invert Emulsion Scale Squeeze Technology T.A. Lawless; T.A. Lawless Oilfield and Environmental Chemical Technology Limited Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar R.N. Smith R.N. Smith Oilfield and Environmental Chemical Technology Limited Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the European Petroleum Conference, The Hague, Netherlands, October 1998. Paper Number: SPE-50590-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/50590-MS Published: October 20 1998 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Lawless, T.A., and R.N. Smith. "Experimental and Theoretical Investigations Into New Invert Emulsion Scale Squeeze Technology." Paper presented at the European Petroleum Conference, The Hague, Netherlands, October 1998. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/50590-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE Europec featured at EAGE Conference and Exhibition Search Advanced Search AbstractThe potential to utilise invert emulsion technology (say, brine dispersed in kerosene) with the aqueous phase containing a scale inhibitor in solution is presented as an attractive alternative to conventional scale squeeze technology. Such new technology can combat current deficiencies associated with lost and deferred oil and deliver a stepped change to the whole process of scale control. It is important for squeeze operations, however, that the emulsion can be injected safely downhole and encouraged to "break" during shut-in, thus allowing the aqueous inhibitor to be released and contact the rock structure promoting effective retention. The "broken" oil phase maintains continuity between pore spaces and promotes rapid oil productivity to return, post-squeeze, as result of relative permeability effects. Economic benefits are identified and detailed considerations relating to the appropriate physico-chemical and environmental characteristics of target emulsions are presented. Experimental evaluation exercises on more than 50 specialist surfactants and formulations, obtained from major chemical companies have been undertaken and are reviewed.Emulsifier chemistry selection, structural requirements and mechanism of (de)stabilisation are recorded to yield systems triggered to operate at 90 C. The impact of brine/oleic phase ratios, surfactant loading and method of manufacture are described in detail. Phase mapping techniques to elucidate controlled breakage, rheology and field fluids compatibility are recorded to quantify performance. Emulsion droplet size and distribution are key parameters influencing flow and (in) stability under practical scenarios, and optical microscopy investigations on systems as a function of time and temperature are presented. A move from largely monodisperse droplets, of circa 1 m, to an evolving size distribution, via coalescence is reviewed from an experimental and theoretical assessment.P. 195 Keywords: upstream oil & gas, production chemistry, oilfield chemistry, emdsion, drilling fluid formulation, drilling fluid property, surfactant, viscosity, consideration, stability Subjects: Drilling Fluids and Materials, Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties) This content is only available via PDF. 1998. Society of Petroleum Engineers You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.