Oilfield Chemicals Evaluation Overview

Oilfield chemicals are used extensively in producing operations. Extensive testing is performed on the chemicals before and after they are selected. In the preliminary series of tests, the formulations are evaluated for any undesirable side effects that they might have on the production process. The second series of tests involve evaluation of candidate for their performance in the field. The final and continuous series consist of controlling the quality of each purchased lot of chemicals.

Preliminary Testing of Oilfield Chemicals

Important Note: Few studies have been performed on the interdependence of emulsion, corrosion, mineral scale deposits, hydrate and paraffin deposits. Solving one problem may increase the severity of another one. For example, corrosion may be increased when demulsifiers are injected since the pipe walls may change from oil-wet to water-wet.  Paraffin dispersants makes crystals repeal each other, while demulsifiers tend to increase coalescence of  molecules.   Filming corrosion inhibitors reduce corrosion by producing a protective scale at the metal surface. This scale may act as seed for scale and paraffin crystals formation. On the other hand, corrosion may increase deposit of paraffin and scale since it roughens metallic walls. Consequently, it is very important to have a good understanding of all the technical problems of each well and to evaluate carefully the global results of a chemical treatment. A short review of each technical problem is posted in this web site.

  • Demulsifiers – Review and field evaluation procedures.
  • Corrosion Inhibitors – Review and corrosion testing procedures.
  • Scale inhibitors – Review and standard testing procedures.
  • Wax/Paraffin Inhibitors – Review and laboratory screening.
  • Biocides – Review and laboratory evaluation.

Quality control of oilfield chemicals

SET Laboratories, Inc. capabilities include routine screening of chemicals, compatibility with produced fluids and with other injected chemicals and optimization of treatment. High-pressure high-temperature stirred autoclave and H2S, CO2 and brine environments used to simulate testing at downhole and surface conditions. Monitoring capabilities include all electrochemical techniques and coupons. Static and dynamic tests set-up are available for scale inhibitors evaluation. On-site demulsifiers testing is also available.