NExT Course Daily Agenda Day 5 - ADx

Flow Assurance
Ahmed Dahroug
Schlumberger Flow Assurance
Copyright ©2009 NExT. All rights reserved

Liquid Management - Transient Simulation
Severe Slugging
Liquid flow at the top of the Riser
Pressure at the inlet
2 AJ
11/4/2010
Liquid Management - Transient Simulation
Severe Slugging
Slugging flow at the top of the Riser
3 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene
Asphaltenes are n-alkane insoluble components of oil. They

remain in solution/colloidal suspension. They
flocculate/precipitate or become solid with changes in Pressure,
Temperature & composition
S
N
H
4 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene Management Approaches
Proactive Prevention - Control
Reservoir: Maintain pressure (i.e., water flood)
Wellbore: Continuous injection of solvent/chemicals
Remedial Measures/Treatments
Near Wellbore & Formation
• Chemical squeeze
Wellbore and surface facilities:
• Mechanical scraping
• Batch solvent/chemical treatment
5 AJ
11/4/2010
Proactive Prevention – Control
Primary & Water Injection Cases (SPE 53155)
6 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene Remediation/Treatment
1. Mechanical Treatments.
2. Chemical Treatments.
7 AJ
11/4/2010
1. Mechanical Methods can be used to periodically

remove asphaltene deposits in wellbores, flowlines and
production facilities; however asphaltene can:
be more brittle and hard to remove

form in the near wellbore region which are
sometimes inaccessible by mechanical methods.
8 AJ
11/4/2010
1. Mechanical Methods
Wireline Cutting
Wireline cutting is an effective means of
asphaltene removal if the wellbore is
readily accessible and if the required
frequency is not excessive.
Coiled Tubing
Like wireline cutting, coiled tubing can be
used to remove asphaltene deposits
provided the deposit can be reached. At
this point in time, the limit of coiled tubing
is about 3 km.
9 AJ
11/4/2010
2. Chemical Methods
Solvent wash to remove deposit

• Soluble in aromatic solvents (benzene and xylene).
• Remediation for formation damage using a squeeze treatment
with aromatic solvents.
10 AJ
11/4/2010
2. Chemical Methods: Constrains
Solvent compatibility with injection lines

Chemical injection via wash water must remain in solution or
dispersed
Stability to high temperature
Compatible with other chemical
11 AJ
11/4/2010
2. Chemical Methods: Solvent/Dispersant
Solvents:
• Most Contain Aromatic (toxic)
• Products under evaluation (glycol ether, ester, amino –
ethanol, etc)
Dispersant:
• Mainly surfactant
• Some have been found to eliminate asphaltenic
flocculation
12 AJ
11/4/2010
Stabilization with Dispersant
Chemical dispersant molecules
Micelle Asphaltene core

destabilized stabilized
13 AJ
11/4/2010
Steric Stabilization
Repulsion due to steric

hindrance
14 AJ
11/4/2010
De-asphalted Oil – A Natural Solvent (SPE Paper)
Natural Solvent: Deasphalted Oil (DAO)
Aromatics Asphaltene Resins
• Benefits: Compatible/Cost Effective & Easily Available

Solvent + Commercially Available Dispersants
15 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene Remediation from Near Wellbore Region -
Core Testing
Permeability (md) Core Displacement (Heavy Oil Reservoir)

1000
750
500
250
0
il
h
te
e
O
en
en
as
sa
ve
W
lu
lu
en
To
To
Li
E
nd
TC
Co
Sequence
15 API Oil; Asphaltene Content = 12% (w/w)

16 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene Remediation from Near Wellbore Region -
Core Test - De-asphalted Oil (DAO)/Toluene
Core Displacement (Heavy Oil Reservoir)

1000
Perm eability (m d)
750
500
250
0
Live Oil Cond/LO DAO Toluene
Sequence
17 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene Remediation in Wellbore – DAO Treatment
SPE 53155
Pressure, psia Pressure, psia
4000 6000 8000 3000 5000 7000
150 150
LO+40% DAO LO+20% DAO

175 175 +1%
T, oF Dispersant
LO+20%
200 LO+ 40 % 200 DAO
Toluene
LO
225 225
LO
250 250
18 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene Remediation in Wellbore – Field Trial with DAO -
Caliper Measurements Show Tubular Deposition
Before DAO Treatment After DAO Treatment

Deposition Thickness, in. Deposition Thickness, in.
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 6000 0 0.1 0.2
2000
Friction
Factor? 8000
4000
6000 10000
MG-OTHO MG-OTH1
8000 12000
500 700 900 1100
Cable Tension, Lbs.
19 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene in Surface Facilities (JCPT Paper)
Filter Dehydration Sales Gas
Low-Temperature
Inlet Separator 0.16% 0.0% Separator
4.58%
Stabilizer Tower
Stabilizer Sales
Feed Tank Tank
1.56% 1.15% > 0.5%
Centrifuge
PROBLEMS:
Test
Solids in the feed tank/dehydration unit Sales Oil
Sales oil was off pipeline spec of 0.5%
Chemical/Filter disposal/Handling Off spec condensate: $400k/y
20 AJ
11/4/2010
Asphaltene in Surface Facilities
Cyclone Sales Gas

Filter Dehydration
Separator
Low-Temperature
Inlet Separator Separator
Stabilizer Tower
Stabilizer
Feed Tank
Outside the Plant
Separation Sales
Tank Tank
BENEFITS Sales Oil

No solids in the plant
No off spec condensate handling < 0.5%
Operating cost reduction: $250k/y
21 AJ
11/4/2010
Day 5: Field Management Approaches (Remediation
& Mitigation
Liquid management
Asphaltene management
Wax management
Scale management
Sand
Emulsion management
Hydrate management
Classroom exercise – calculating inhibitor injection rate using
Pipesim
22 AJ
11/4/2010
Paraffin Wax Definition
• Waxes are higher molecular weight saturated carbons (>C20)
mainly from normal paraffins CnH2n+2 plus minor isoparaffins,
naphthenes and appreciable aromatic content.
• Precipitates as crystalline solids with reduction in temperature
and pressure conditions
23 AJ
11/4/2010
Paraffin Deposition in Production System
Tanks
Tubing Flowline Pipeline
&
Rods
Pump
Paraffin-related skin
24 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Management Approaches
Wax Remedial Measures - Treatment
Thermal Hot Oiling
Chemical Solvent/Dispersants
Mechanical Pigging/Cutting
Wax Preventive Measures - Control

Thermal management
• Retain heat (insulation, residence time, etc)
• Add heat (electrical)
Chemical
• Pour point depressants/ flow improvers
• Inhibitors/ crystal modifiers
25 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation: Thermal Method
Hot Oiling
The relationship between temperature and
paraffin cloud point and solubility is the
logic behind the removal of paraffin
deposits.
Sometimes used with chemical to melt and

solubilize paraffin wax deposits.
It has to be continued, because the buildup

persists and can re-occur.
Frequency averages from 1-3 treatments

per month.
26 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation: Thermal Method
Line Heaters
Represents one of the more effective methods of

sustaining fluid mobility
Localized to the wellhead and gathering facilities only.
Fails to modify the physical shape of the crystalline

waxes.
27 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation: Mechanical Method
Mechanical Removal
Is tried for removal from tubing, flow
lines and pipelines.
Includes rod scrapers, wire-line

scrappers, flow line scrappers, free-
floating pistons.
Positive cleaning is assured.
Limitation due to time and equipment

involved.
28 AJ
11/4/2010
Line Pigging
Requires that the launching and
capture sites be engineered into the
transfer facility’s design.
Can be completed either with or without

the use of mechanical removal.
The retrieved paraffin blockages from

these pigging operations are directed to
waste stream.
Continuity Principles
29 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation/Treatment
Pigging
The effective removal requires the selection of the appropriate pig
and the performance on a regular and frequent basis.
The pig should be specifically designed for solids removal. Disk
or cup pigs can be used since they apply more force on the pipe
wall.
Spheres or foam pigs are not adequate for wax removal.
A bypass pig allows the removed solids to be dispersed into the
crude oil ahead of the pig.
30 AJ
11/4/2010
Cleaning Pigs
31 AJ
11/4/2010
Scraper Pigs
Set Up
32 AJ
11/4/2010
Pig Trap
33 AJ
11/4/2010
Pigging
34 AJ
11/4/2010
Line Pigging
35 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation: Chemical Treatment
Solvents
Dispersants
Detergents - Crystal Modifiers
36 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation: Solvents
Solvent are generally used to dissolve existing deposits and

usually contain a high aromatic content.
They dissolve a specific weight of paraffin based upon the
molecular weight of the wax, temperature, and pressure
before the solvent power is exhausted.
37 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation: Chemical Method (Solvent)
Solvent
Paraffinic: diesel, kerosene, chlorinated chemical
Aromatic: xylene, toluene or mixture
Dilute the wax content
Large amount needed for the dilution
Long soak times are required
Testing is always required before deciding on actual treatment
Environmental Issues
38 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Dissolution Capacities - Solvents
12
10
8 TOULENE
DIESEL
6 XYLENE
KEROSENE
4 UNKNOWN
TURPENTINE
2
0
OILFIELD SOLVENTS
100 gram Solvent at 100 deg F.

39 AJ
11/4/2010
Dispersants
Dispersants do not dissolve paraffin deposit but rather break

them up into much smaller particles sizes where they can be
reabsorbed by the oil stream.
Dispersant is expected to be more cost effective than solvent.
40 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation: Chemical Method (Dispersants)
Polyethylene, and Polyethylene-propylene

Reduce the deposition rate deposition (up to 5
times)
Must be tested in lab before using it
Continuous application
Temperature at the injection point is important
Monitor to ensure adequate treatment
41 AJ
11/4/2010
Paraffin Detergents/Crystal Modifiers
Detergents are a class of surface active agents that work in

the presence of water to water-wet paraffin particles,
formation, tubing and flowlines.
These materials break up wax deposits and prevent them
from a re-agglomerating further downstream in the system.
42 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Control: Chemical Method (Crystal Modifier)
Normal Crystal Growth

Crystals form network
Increase Viscosity
Stick to the pipe-wall
Modified Growth
Crystals isolated
Pass through system
43 AJ
11/4/2010
Wax Remediation: Unconventional Method
Bacteria
½ µm
Microorganism treatment works

effectively on pumping wells.
1 - 4 µm
Wells have to be at bottom hole temp.
less than 200 ºF for these bacteria to
function. • Biochemical production
– Biosurfactants (dispersants)
The water from the wells is tested and – alcohols/ketones (solvents)
monitored for potential adverse affects
– organic acids (solvents & dispersants)
from the paraffin treating bacteria.
– CO2 (miscible gas)
44 AJ
11/4/2010
Day 5: Field Management Approaches (Remediation
& Mitigation
Liquid management
Asphaltene management
Wax management
Scale management
Sand
Emulsion management
Hydrate management
Classroom exercise – calculating inhibitor injection rate using
Pipesim
45 AJ
11/4/2010
Oilfield Scale
“Hard Adherent Mineral Deposits that Precipitate From Brine

Solution”
Barite, www\\webmineral.com
46 AJ
11/4/2010
Scale Impact
Scale in tubing. The location of scale deposits in tubing can vary from downhole perforations to the surface where it
constrains production through tubing restrictions, blocked nipples, fish, safety valves and gas-lift mandrels. Scale is often
layered and sometimes covered with a waxy or asphaltene coating (insert). Pitting and corrosion on steel can develop under
the scale due to bacteria and sour gas,
47 AJ
11/4/2010
Reason for Scale Control: Matrix Damage
Scale deposition restricts flow

Scale reduces permeability of matrix
Pore system - Flowpath

Complete scaling of pore throat not
likely; however,
Small quantity of scale ⇒ large loss in
permeability
Large loss in permeability ⇒ significant
reduction in productivity
Scale
48 AJ
11/4/2010
Reason for Scale Control: Tubing Damage
Tubing ID Restriction Scale Deposition in Tubing
Constrained production
FeS - Layer
Often layered with scale,
wax, asphaltene, etc. BaS04 Layer
Completion components blocked with
Under-deposit Corrosion
scale
Gas Lift Mandrels, SSSV, Nipples Asphaltene layer
Corrosion under scale deposition
H2S Pitting Corrosion
Bacterial / H2S
Pitting, loss of steel integrity CaC03 layer
Wax Layer
Note : Actual Scale may have all or just some of these layers
49 AJ
11/4/2010
Reason for Scale Control: Injector Wells
Temperature-activated autoscaling of the

injected water
Injection water
Scale damage in the near wellbore region
Reduction in permeability of the formation
Reduction in the effectiveness of the
waterflood strategy
Scale damaged zone

50 AJ
11/4/2010
Reason for Scale Control: Surface Process
Gas Reduction in tubing ID

Reduction in process system
Oil (residence time)
Oily
Water
Oil Blocking of water lines
Reduction in efficiency of heat
Produced
Fluids
exchangers
Reduction in effectiveness of
Water main separators
Disposal
Injection
Location for potential scale deposition

51 AJ
11/4/2010
Scale Management Approaches
Remediation
Mechanical Removal Allow deposits to accumulate and remove
periodically by mechanical and/or chemical means
Proactive Prevention or Mitigation
Process design Operate under less scaling condition
Ion removal or exchange Remove ions to prevent them
reacting
Inhibition
• Leave ions in solution
• Apply chemical treatment to disperse precipitates
• Modify crystal growth pattern
52 AJ
11/4/2010
Diagnostics – Production History
53 AJ
11/4/2010
Scale Phase Envelop
12000
Precipitation phase envelop for CaCO3 at
11000 ST<1 for BaSO4
50% water cut
10000 Precipitation phase envelop of BaSO4 at
50% water cut
9000 Precipitation phase envelop for SrCO3 at
50% water cut
Pressure (psia)
8000
ST=1 for BaSO4
7000
6000
ST>1 for BaSO4 ST=1 for CaCO3
5000
ST<1 for SrCO3
4000
ST< 1 for CaCO3
3000
ST>1 for CaCO3
2000 ST=1 for SrCO3
1000
0 ST>1 for SrCO3

0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Temperature (F)
54 AJ
11/4/2010
Scale Properties
Solubility Variation with Temperature
Spontaneous Spontaneous
nucleation is
nucleation is most improbable.
A previously formed
likely to occur crystal which now
exist in this zone
will continue to
Concentration
grow
Supersaturated
Unstable
Supersaturated
Metastable Stable
Undersaturated
Brine solution.
No precipitation
possible
Temperature
55 AJ
11/4/2010
Barite Solubility in Water
4
BaSO4 Solubility in Water, mg/l
0
0 43 86 129 172 215
Temperature (ºF)
56 AJ
11/4/2010
Calcium Sulfate Solubility in Water
57 AJ
11/4/2010
Calcite Solubility in Water
58 AJ
11/4/2010
Scaling Diagnostics
Precipitation behavior of BaSO4 and CaCO3 at 50% water cut
12000
P-T profile for flow rate - 50 MMSCFD
ST < 1 for BaSO4
P-T profile for flow rate - 150 MMSCFD
10000 Precipitation phase envelop for CaCO3 at 50% water cut
Precipitation phase envelop of BaSO4 at 50% water cut
Precipitation phase envelope for SrCO3 at 50% water cut ST > 1 for BaSO4
8000
Pressure (psia)
6000
ST< 1 for CaCO3 ST>1 for CaCO3
4000
2000
ST<1 for SrCO3
0 ST>1 for SrCO3

0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Temperature (F)
59 AJ
11/4/2010
Remediation - Mechanical Method
Hydrojet: the water under very high pressure through the nozzle is used to
remove the scales from the tubing. When the progress is very slow which
means that the scale is very dense and hard
Milling: the rotating bit technique sometimes is used to remove the thick
deposits.
Stearling Beads: sometimes is used as the last option, the beads are harder
than the scales and less than the tubing metal.
Pigging: applicable to pipelines ??
60 AJ
11/4/2010
Remediation - Mechanical Method – Water Jetting
61 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation Process Design Modification
Operate under less scaling condition
pH control
Low pH may prevent carbonate scaling
Temperature control
Pipeline insulation may reduce temperature changes
Avoid mixing incompatible waters
Carefully select injection water
Do not use mixed sources for injection water
62 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation Ion Removal or Exchange
Remove ions to prevent reaction
Normally applicable for water injection, when incompatibility is

expected
SO4 can be removed from sea water
• Filter membrane
• Electro-dialysis reversal or ion exchange system replace the
offending cations with one that is less problematic
63 AJ
11/4/2010
Remediation - Chemical Method Solubility Basis
Water-Soluble Deposits Sodium Chloride (Salt)

Acid-Soluble Deposits Inorganic Acids
• Calcium carbonate • Hydrochloric Acid
• Iron carbonate • Hydrofluoric Acid
• Iron sulfide • Sulfuric Acid
• Iron oxides • Phosphoric Acid
• Magnesium hydroxide • Sulfamic Acid
Acid-Insoluble Deposits Organic Acids
• Calcium Sulphate • Formic Acid
• Barium Sulphate • Acetic Acid
• Strontium Sulphate. • Citric Acid.
64 AJ
11/4/2010
Remediation/Mitigation: Chemical Method
Calcium Carbonate are best removed by acid

• Hydrochloric acid.
• Corrosion inhibitor is required to protect steel
Calcium sulfate
• Pretreated with ammonium carbonate prior to removal
with hydrochloric acid
Sulfate scale may be removed by EDTA (Ethylene Diamine
Tetraacetic Acid )
Sulfide deposit can be removed with hydrochloric acid

• Care must be taken due to H2S production.
65 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation Scale Inhibition
React one of the ions to keep it in solution or dispersed
Chelating Agent Use Active Sites to Chemically Bind

(“Chelate”) with Ions which are Susceptible to Scaling
Complexed organic acid (EDTA, DTPA) ethylene

diamine tetraacetic acid , Diethylene
triamine pentaacetic acid
Organic Salts; Lignins, Tannins, Lignosulphonates.
Must be Applied Stoichiometrically for effective
treatment.
Complexes may be pH sensitive
66 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation Scale Inhibition - Chelation
EDTA
Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid
DTPA
Diethylene triamine pentaacetate
67 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation Scale Inhibition - Chelation
Chelating agent is used to

lockup unwanted ions in
solution. EDTA molecules
share electrons from oxygen
and nitrogen atoms with
barium ions forming barium
EDTA chelate compound
68 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation Scale Inhibition
React one of the ions to keep it in solution or dispersed
Threshold type Inhibitors

Maintain precipitate in dispersed state by adsorbing onto crystal
growth and inhibiting crystal growth
Inhibit agglomeration on pipe walls
Effective in low concentration
Polyacrylamid, polyacrylates, polyphosphonates
Laboratory Tests Are Essential for Cost Effective Treatment
69 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation - Scale Inhibition
70 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation - Scale Inhibition
71 AJ
11/4/2010
Mitigation Application of Scale Inhibitors
Adsorption
Scale inhibitors yield the best

treatment life when they are
retained in the formation either
by adsorption to the pore walls
Precipitation or by precipitating in the pore
space
72 AJ
11/4/2010
Non-Chemical Crystal Growth Inhibition
Inhibitor must be introduced before the scale is formed
Electromagnetic crystal growth modification

Applying magnetic field at the time of crystal formation may
modify the crystal shape and inhibit multicrystalization
Applicable to all crystalline material
Have been successes and failures
The theory still under discussion
Environmentally inert
Relatively inexpensive
73 AJ
11/4/2010
Sand Production
Lun - 1 , 3 , 4 & 6 Core Data
Cumulative Weight -vs- Particle Size
100
90
80
70
Cum ulative Weight [%]

60
50
Condensate-Water Separator
40
(Courtesy of A. Kooijman/Mike Gunningham)
30
20
10
0
10000 1000 100 10 1
Parti cle Size [mi cron]
Reservoir Characterization
• Porosity,
• Permeability,
• Particle Size - d50
• Fines
74 AJ
11/4/2010
What Is Sand Management Solution?
“Life of well/field management of sand/fluids production”
A complete process as Solutions are productivity- &

opposed to a specific performance- driven
technique Provides process improvement
Based on life of well/field
75 AJ
11/4/2010
Strategy for Sand Management
Risk / Cost evaluation
of Sand Production
Conditions & Risk Acceptable ?
Optimized Perforating
Sand Control Screenless
(Exclusion Methods) Completions Screenless Completions Screenless FracPack
(Sand Prevention)
Open Hole GP Consolidation
Optimized Perforating
TSO Frac w/proppant
Perforating methods flowback control
to minimize
Consolidation
impairment to
productivity
Improved methods to
place gravel and
minimize impairment
to productivity
76 AJ
11/4/2010
Managing Produced Sand
ESP with Downhole Desander

Based on Sand Prediction calculations, sand
production can be handled by sand control
techniques or by handling the produced sand:
Sand separator
Sand is separated before getting to the pump and
dumped below the perfs.
Lifting methods better suited for handling sand
77 AJ
11/4/2010
Sand Management Process
Reservoir Completion
Completion Production
Characterizatio Design & Execution
Selection
n
Cross-Sectional Plot
Variable 3 (p = 0.25)
Indicator 1 12 ProCADE*
History Match: Cumulative Production vs Time
Variable 2 Variable 3 (p = 0.5)
Indicator 2
p = 0.1
9 100000
Variable 3 ( p = 0.25)
Indicator 3
6
Variable 1 .
Variable 2 Variable 3 (p = 0.5) .
. 3
10000
Cumulative Production
p1 = 0.30 p = 0.7 Actual Np (STB)
Variable 3 ( p = 0.25) .
Actual Gp (MMscf)
.
Variable 3 (p = 0.25) .
Actual Wp (STB)
-12 -9 -6 -3 3 6 9 12 Model Np (STB)
.
Variable 2 Variable 3 (p = 0.5) . -3 Model Gp (MMscf)
. Model Wp (STB)
p = 0.2 1000
Variable 3 ( p = 0.25) .
. -6
Variable 3 (p = 0.25) .
.
-9
. Formation
p = 0.1 Cem ent
100
Variable 3 ( p = 0.25) .
-12
.
Variable 3 (p = 0.25) .
Variable 1 Variable 2 Variable 3 (p = 0.5)
.
Indicator n
p = 0.7 .
p2 = 0.55 10
σz
Variable 3 ( p = 0.25) . 0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Perforating
.
.
Time (days)
.
.
.
p = 0.2 Variable 3 ( p = 0.25)
.
.
σr & Tools Completion

Variable 3 (p = 0.25) .
.
p = 0.1 .
Variable 3 ( p = 0.25) .
.
.
Variable 1
Efficiency
.
σθ
.
p3 = 0.15 p = 0.7 Variable 3 ( p = 0.25)

.
.
Variable 3 (p = 0.25) .
.
.
p = 0.2 .
Variable 3 ( p = 0.25) .
Stress Analysis Decision Tree

Reservoir Management
Data & Controls Communications
Subsea Data-Port
Oil Production Multi-Lateral Junction
Oil Production
Oil Production
Oil Production
TSO v No TSO Oil Cum Production Oil Production
1800000
1600000
1400000
Cum Oil Prod (S TB)
Sanding Prediction 1200000

1000000
Job Design Monitoring
800000
1E+9
10000 A
C
600000
B
9000
400000
Pressure, psig
8000 1
1
200000 1E+8
7000
0
6000
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1E+7
5000
0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000
Outflow
Time (days)
Inflow @ Sandface
Not(1)
Used Gas Rate, Mscf/D
Inflow (1) Outflow (A) (A) 6463.0
Case 2 (2) Case 2 (B) (B) 6005.0
Case 3 (3) Case 3 (C)
Not Used Not Used (C) 5541.0
Not Used Not Used Outflow
Cond Unloading Water
Rate Unloading Rate Wellhead Pressure, psig 1E+6
Max Erosional Rate Reg: Authorized User - Dowell Schlumberger 1E-3 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
NPV
Log-Log plot: dm(p) and dm(p)' [psi2/cp] vs dpst [hr]
Production Testing
Prediction
78 AJ
11/4/2010
Oilfield Emulsion – The Problem
Naturally occurring surface active agents stabilize water in oil emulsions in produced
fluids.
Emulsion increases viscosity and hence increase pressure drops causing problems
in gathering systems and treatment facilities.
Require specialized treatment vessels, chemicals or excessive residence time
Resulting in increased CAPEX and OPEX.
79 AJ
11/4/2010
Type of Emulsions
Oil-in-Water The problem

120
Water-in-Crude Oil Phase Inversion
emulsion Crude Oil-in-
100
102 S-1 Water emulsion
80 170 S-1
V iscosity, cP
340 S-1
60
Water-in-Oil 510 S-1
40 1021 S-1
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Water Cut, %
Complex Emulsions
80 AJ
11/4/2010
Emulsion Management Strategies
Assessment of the produced fluids potential to form emulsions, their

stability and type
Hydraulic modeling to establish impact of emulsions on pressure
drop and production
Evaluate options for oil transportation including in situ formation of
reverse emulsion
Impact of emulsion behavior on hydrate formation
Development of flow charts, operating procedures and guidelines to
implement the selected emulsion management strategies during
production
81 AJ
11/4/2010
Emulsion Destabilization Processes
How can the emulsion be destabilized to

increase the settling rate
Heat
Chemistry (Demulsifier)
Flow Regime
Coalescing Surfaces
Electrostatic Fields
82 AJ
11/4/2010
Application of Heat
Application of Heat
(Temperature Effect)
Viscosity V
Differential Density V Sometimes it is negligible
Film Strength Weakened V
83 AJ
11/4/2010
Chemical Treatment
Chemical additives called demulsifiers are typically injected into the crude oil
stream to weaken the stabilizing film surrounding the water droplets
Chemical tank
and pump
Treater
Wet crude inlet
Demulsifier is injected upstream of the treater

84 AJ
11/4/2010
Demulsifier Requirements
Strong attraction to the oil-water interface

Flocculation
Coalescence
Solid wetting
Flocculation Coalescence
Settling
Oil
It would be unusual if one chemical structure could
produce all four desirable actions Water
Coalescence
85 AJ
11/4/2010
Demulsifier Mechanism
Oil Phase Oil Phase
Water Water Water Water

Droplet Droplet Droplet Droplet
Emulsifiers form stability through a film around Demulsifier or Emulsion Breaker (EB) displaces
each water droplet, preventing coalescence emulsifiers, weakening the film, promoting
rupture and coalescence
86 AJ
11/4/2010
Typical Demulsifiers Structure
87 AJ
11/4/2010
How to Select a Demulsifier
Process system
Bottle tests
Field tests
88 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrates – Ice That Burns
Crystalline solid consisting of gas molecules each surrounded by a cage of

water molecules.
Hydrate usually forms at high P & low T
One volume hydrate can carry 160-180 volumes of methane
89 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Blockage Principles
In a flowing gas system hydrates are most

likely to start at the pipe wall (arterio-
sclerosis principle)
Formation from an oil or condensate may
lead to initial dispersion of hydrate into slush
before agglomeration, build up and
blockage
Hydrate plug
Partial plug Complete plug
Time
90 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Blockage Detection
Pressure drop/fouling index
Pipeline DP
Changes in water rate at outlet
Pigging returns
Time
Behavior of pressure drop vary:
spikes, slow drift, rapid increase
Warning signs may be hard to spot,
Pipeline DP
particularly in complex flow
Time
91 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Blockage Detection & Location
Pressure response either side of plug when pressure on one side is

lowered
1058 psig1044 psig 1000psig 1044psig
V (right) (1044-1000)
= = 3.14
V (left) (1058-1044)
Relies on permeability of the plug. It may be slow
Back pressurization method. Reverse approach also used with some

limitations. Assumes no permeability and requires estimated liquid in line
In particular case, careful monitoring of pressure responses can also give
a direct indication of presence of multiple plugs
92 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Blockage Detection & Location
More specialized methods for particular

applications
Temperature sensing
Densitometry
Mechanical
Acoustic
Pipe Strain
Tomography
93 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Remediation
Depressurization
Chemical
Heating
Mechanical (Intrusive intervention)
Pipeline replacement. The solution of last resort
94 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Remediation - Depressurization
From the top of riser

From the manifold by crossover into a
service line
Locally into a skid mounted pressure relief
system
Intervention by a surface vessel on the
manifold (e.g. temporary riser to a surface
receiving vessel)
Note: depressurization on one side of a hydrate plug only can result

in a potentially dangerous projectile
95 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Remediation - Depressurization
Two sided depressurization is preferred

• Avoid potential for a projectile hydrate mass
• Avoid possible Joule Thompson cooling across porous plug
• Is faster
Porosity of plugs can be high (> 50%)

Consolidation of plug with time leading to reduce the
porosity and gas permeability
96 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Remediation – Depressurization
Dissociation requires influx of energy:

Heat transfer properties of the line is
an essential factor Hydrate Curve
Dissociation normally proceeds
Pressure (bar)
radially from the pipe wall
Models for plug dissociation by
depressurization are available Depressurization from
80 bar (1160 psi) to
20 bar (290psi)
Use of model for plug movement
under differential pressure allows to
estimate the safety zone Temperature (C)
97 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Remediation – Depressurization Check List
Can be depressurized
Yes Can be depressurized in
Yes Can maintain
Yes Is there a pour No
below hydrate late life at high water pressure below point concern
formation cut hydrate
formation
Yes
No No No
Proceed with
Consider other options Depressurization
Displacement
Active heating
Chemical Injection
98 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Inhibition – Chemical Methods
Primarily alcohols, glycols and salts
Substance soluble in the aqueous phase competes for the
water molecule and prevents the water from forming solid
hydrates
A minimum concentration of the solute or inhibitor is
necessary in the solvent or aqueous phase
Empirical methods, charts and computer programs have been
developed to predict hydrate formation and inhibition.
99 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Inhibition – Thermodynamic Inhibitor
Thermodynamic Inhibitor
Key Regions
Hydrate Free
THI THI
Hydrate Risk
Pressure
Hydrate Free with THI

Dispersant
Hydrate Zone
4 3 2 1
Key Curves
1. Hydrate dissociation
2. Hydrate formation
3. Hydrate formation
suppressed by THI
4. Hydrate region
THI: Thermodynamic Inhibitor
Temperature
THI is a mixture of polymers in a solvent carrier that inhibits the formation of hydrate nuclei in solution and at surfaces.
100 AJ
11/4/2010
Influence of Methanol on Hydrate Formation in a
Typical Natural Gas Mixture 100
Component mole %
80 A B
60 N2 5.26 5.96
CO2 13.37 14.18
CH4 72.90 71.60 Wt % 50
40
C2H6 1.85 5.73 Methanol 35 20 10
C3H8 2.02 1.94 0
20
nC4 .80 0.79

nC5 0.80 0.79 

Phase boundary

Mixture A
8

6 

Pressure, MPa
4


2 

1.0
0.8
0.6

0.4  Mixture A This Work
Mixture B Ng and Robinson (5)
Hydrate 5.1 Predictions

0.2 Dew Point Locus
Incipient Hydrate Locus
0.1 -20 Quadruple
-10 0Points 10
-40 20
101 AJ
11/4/2010 -30
Temperature, °C
Effect of Sodium Chloride & DEG
4000
Fresh water
20% NaCl
20% NaCl + 5% DEG
3000
Pressure [psi]
2000
1000
0
30 40 50 60 70 80
Temperature [F]
102 AJ
11/4/2010
Effect of Various Salts
5000
4000
CaCl2
Pressure (psi)
Brine
3000 Fresh
NaCl
Brine Water
2000
1000
0
20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Temperature (F)
103 AJ
11/4/2010
Kinetic Inhibitor Delays Hydrate Formation
Total hydrate formation with surfactants

consumption(gmol)
Total hydrate formation for DI water

gas consumption(
Total hydrate formation with kinetic inhibitors
0
time(min)
104 AJ
11/4/2010
AA’s Prevent Hydrate Particle Coalition/Bridging
(condensate system)
Condensate Hydrates Condensate Hydrates in Suspension
Pipeline without anti-agglomerant Pipeline with anti-agglomerant
105 AJ
11/4/2010
Inhibitor Comparison
Thermodynamic Kinetic Anti-

Inhibitor Inhibitor agglomerant
System System
Effectiveness High
dependent dependent
Applicable Low Condensate
All
system subcooling* system
Concentration High Low Low
Toxicity High Low Low
Total cost High Low Low
*Difference b/w hydrate equilibrium & system temperatures

106 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Mitigation – Heating Method
Hot Water
Direct Heating
Induction Heating
107 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Mitigation – Hot Water Heating
Primarily designed for mitigation hydrates, but

mode of heating is suitable for remediation
Two Classes of design Installed and operating
• Bundles, containing conductors for
circulation of hot water/glycols, etc.
• Pipe in pipe with counter current flow of
water/glycol in annulus
108 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Mitigation – Direct Electric Heating
Accurate control and monitoring of

temperature
Uniform heat long the plug is required for
safe remediation
Close loop design
Pipe in pipe end fed
Pipe in pipe centered fed
109 AJ
11/4/2010
Hydrate Mitigation – Mechanical Intervention
using Coiled Tubing
Direct access to hydrate plug

Combined with chemical/ thermal removal/drilling
One of the last options for deep water
Key issues
• Access points
• Maximum reach
• Pipe bends
• Routing and handling of return
110 AJ
11/4/2010

NExT Course Daily Agenda Day 5 - ADx

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Flow Assurance

Copyright ©2009 NExT. All rights reserved

Pressure at the inlet

Asphaltenes are n-alkane insoluble components of oil. They

1. Mechanical Methods can be used to periodically

be more brittle and hard to remove

Solvent wash to remove deposit

2. Chemical Methods: Constrains

Solvent compatibility with injection lines

2. Chemical Methods: Solvent/Dispersant

Chemical dispersant molecules

Micelle Asphaltene core

Repulsion due to steric

Natural Solvent: Deasphalted Oil (DAO)

Aromatics Asphaltene Resins

• Benefits: Compatible/Cost Effective & Easily Available

Permeability (md) Core Displacement (Heavy Oil Reservoir)

15 API Oil; Asphaltene Content = 12% (w/w)

Core Displacement (Heavy Oil Reservoir)

LO+40% DAO LO+20% DAO

Before DAO Treatment After DAO Treatment

Filter Dehydration Sales Gas

Cyclone Sales Gas

BENEFITS Sales Oil

Wax Preventive Measures - Control

Sometimes used with chemical to melt and

It has to be continued, because the buildup

Frequency averages from 1-3 treatments

Represents one of the more effective methods of

Localized to the wellhead and gathering facilities only.

Fails to modify the physical shape of the crystalline

Includes rod scrapers, wire-line

Positive cleaning is assured.

Limitation due to time and equipment

Can be completed either with or without

The retrieved paraffin blockages from

Detergents - Crystal Modifiers

Solvent are generally used to dissolve existing deposits and

100 gram Solvent at 100 deg F.

Dispersants do not dissolve paraffin deposit but rather break

Polyethylene, and Polyethylene-propylene

Detergents are a class of surface active agents that work in

Normal Crystal Growth

Stick to the pipe-wall

Pass through system

Microorganism treatment works

“Hard Adherent Mineral Deposits that Precipitate From Brine

Scale deposition restricts flow

Pore system - Flowpath

Temperature-activated autoscaling of the

Scale damaged zone

Gas Reduction in tubing ID

Location for potential scale deposition

0 ST>1 for SrCO3

10000 Precipitation phase envelop for CaCO3 at 50% water cut

Precipitation phase envelop of BaSO4 at 50% water cut

ST< 1 for CaCO3 ST>1 for CaCO3

ST<1 for SrCO3

0 ST>1 for SrCO3

Pigging: applicable to pipelines ??

Remove ions to prevent reaction

Normally applicable for water injection, when incompatibility is

Water-Soluble Deposits Sodium Chloride (Salt)