Asphaltene Inhibitors and Dispersants
Details
Asphaltene control is a challenge for oil and gas producers.
Normally, asphaltenes are present in a stabilized
suspension in hydrocarbon liquids. When asphaltenes
are destabilized as equilibrium changes in production
and chemical additives are used in various processes,
the asphaltenes form hard and brittle deposits. Similar to
the damage caused by paraffin and mineral scale, these
deposits can plug pore spaces in the reservoir (especially
near the wellbore area), form downhole blockages and
emulsions, cause pump failures and tubing blockages,
separation issues and tank bottoms. Asphaltenes represent
significant flow assurance issues as they impact production
throughput and viscosity as they become destabilized.
The net results of asphaltene deposition are increased
remediation costs to remove or re-suspend the asphaltene
precipitate, safety issues associated with the hazards of
blockages and heavy equipment, lost production due to
constricted flow and system shut-in, and at times, water
treating issues. Asphaltene content is a valuable component
of the hydrocarbon production, providing it reaches its final
destination—the refinery. The key is to reduce costs and lost
production by keeping the asphaltene in solution from the
reservoir to the refinery.
Asphaltene Inhibitors:
Water Technologies & Solutions
has a number of chemical additives which inhibit
asphaltene deposition. These chemical additives
are consideredbest-in-class chemistries, selected
from leading manufacturers to cost effectively inhibit
asphaltene deposition. Our local technical representatives
will conduct assessments of the production issues, fluid
and gas compositions, in addition to production practices
to ensure that the selected chemistries will function
as expected in a system. With support from regional
technology centers, the asphaltene inhibitor will help
reduce failures and costs associated with asphaltene
production and maximize production revenue.
Asphaltene Dispersants:
If a system has evidence of
asphaltene deposition, it’s important to identify the
locations and extent of the damage to enable proper
remedial efforts. Our local reps will collect samples
of deposits and inspect damage to determine the right
remediation program for each system. Specially selected
dispersant chemistries are used to remove the deposits
and re-suspend them in the produced hydrocarbon,
where they become part of the revenue stream.
Water Technologies & Solutions’ advanced chemical
solutionscan help to:
• Stabilize the asphaltene molecules in a production,
thereby reducing precipitation and deposition
• Reduce risk of failure, providing additional integrity to assets and vastly improving system reliability, especially in subsea or deepwater production systems
• Enhance revenue by maintaining optimal production levels and getting the asphaltene to the refinery
• Enhance flow through separation and sales systems
• Reduce risk of failure, providing additional integrity to assets and vastly improving system reliability, especially in subsea or deepwater production systems
• Enhance revenue by maintaining optimal production levels and getting the asphaltene to the refinery
• Enhance flow through separation and sales systems
