An Investigative Study of Potential Emulsion Problems Before Field Development

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractBefore the development of a field it is worthwhile to determine the characteristics of crude oil emulsions. This may be even more important if the wells are to be equipped with electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) which can create a shearing environment resulting in tight emulsions. One such study was conducted to determine the characteristics of emulsions from a cluster of oil fields planned for development. The proposed development is to produce from three fields and several different reservoirs. The central crude processing facility will process ~500 MBD of crude and 50 MBD of water. A study was conducted to determine the impact of ESP on emulsions and hence on the ESP design (horsepower) and the possibility of demulsifier injection downhole. The emulsion properties are also needed for the design of central wet crude handling facilities. A series of emulsion tests were conducted with crudes from different reservoirs at bottomhole and surface temperatures, range of watercuts and shearing conditions. The results are provided in terms of 'relative' tightness of emulsions from different reservoirs. The viscosities of various emulsions were also determined. The results indicate that demulsifier injection facilities will be needed at the wet crude handling facilities and possibly in wells from one reservoir that has a high asphaltenic and viscous crude. The paper provides a framework of laboratory emulsions studies that can provide valuable information for the design of processing facilities before they are built. The paper also discusses some practical aspects of demulsifier treatment program including demulsifier selection and optimization and methods to prevent emulsion problems.

Application of DSC for Emulsified System Characterization

“…Effective separation of crude oil and water is an essential operation to ensure not only the quality of crude oil but also the quality of separated water phase at the lowest cost. Earlier studies [22,23] have shown the importance of emulsion characteristics on the performance and optimization of oil-water separation. Recently, in the framework of a joint study between IFP and Saudi Aramco, a strict and rigorous methodology was applied to gather information about the behavior and composition of Saudi Aramco emulsion samples collected from several Gas Oil Separation Plants [20,21].…”

Freezing Within Emulsions: Theoretical Aspects and Engineering Applications

“…Earlier studies [83,84] have shown the importance of emulsion characteristics on the performance and optimization of oil/water separation. The main objective is to provide recommendations to reduce treatment costs and optimize oil/water separation in the field.…”

Experimental Investigation of Emulsion Stability in GOSPs, Part II: Emulsion Behavior

“…where: σ = interfacial tension R 1 and R 2 = main radii of curvature of the drop The Tracker oil drop tensiometer (Figure 2) simply consists of a light source (2), a cell (cuvette) containing the oil drop (3), and a camera (6), that are aligned on an optical bench (1). After the drop formation using a syringe (4) and motor (5) for pressing down the syringe, the drop profile is digitalized through the camera and a personal computer (7).…”

“…Earlier studies [5][6] have shown the importance of emulsion characteristics on the performance and optimization of oilwater separation at Saudi Aramco GOSPs. The present study was performed jointly by IFP and Saudi Aramco to carry out an in-depth analysis of the main physicochemical properties of emulsions, and the link to their behavior in the field.…”