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Clariant Oil Services Demulsifier Technology Minimizes Upsets in Heavy Oil Field

Benefits
  • Significant reduction in setbacks of the dehydration facility 
  • This facility has been successfully treated with PHASETREAT 6359 for three years with no major upsets due to chemical problems. Prior to the treatment, upsets occurred every two to five months.
  • Improved overall productivity and operational costs
  • Producing an average of three new wells per month without upsets in either water or oil treatment

Background

A major heavy oil operator in the western United States was experiencing continuous setbacks at the dehydration facility due to new wells being put into production. Upsets were also caused by the very high organic solid concentration levels in the production area, a former fire-flooded region.

The operator contacted Clariant Oil Services in search of a demulsifier that would effectively separate the oil and water, as well as treat the solids and decrease the number of upsets. Field condition data can be found in Table 1.

Table 1: Field Conditions

Number of Wells > 900
Crude API 13
BPD Treated 40
Water / Steam Production 300,000 BWPD (200,000 for steam production)
Type of Emulsion Problem Solids / Water / Oil

Clariant Oil Services Solutions and Value Delivered

Thorough testing and field trials by Clariant Oil Services led to the development of PHASETREAT 6359, a demulsifier designed specifically to treat the formerly fire-flooded region of the field. As new wells were brought into production, they were treated with PHASETREAT 6359.

Results indicate that the demulsifier significantly increased production and no major upsets due to chemical problems have been reported. Likewise, the field is now producing an average of three new wells per month without upsets in either water or oil treatment.

This information corresponds to the present state of our knowledge and is intended as a general description of our products and their possible applications. Clariant makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the information’s accuracy, adequacy, sufficiency or freedom from defect and assumes no liability in connection with any use of this information. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Clariant's products for its particular application. *Nothing included in this information waives any of Clariant’s General Terms and Conditions of Sale, which control unless it agrees otherwise in writing. Any existing intellectual/industrial property rights must be observed. Due to possible changes in our products and applicable national and international regulations and laws, the status of our products could change. Material Safety Data Sheets providing safety precautions, that should be observed when handling or storing Clariant products, are available upon request and are provided in compliance with applicable law. You should obtain and review the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet information before handling any of these products. For additional information, please contact Clariant.

*For sales to customers located within the United States and Canada the following applies in addition: NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IS MADE OF THE MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE.

Copyright © Clariant International Ltd, 2012.


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