Application of Surfix solvent in the oil industry: technological feasibility, environmental safety and economic efficiency

Substantiation of the feasibility of using the solvent “Surfix” in the oil production industry as an effective means of cleaning downhole equipment, pipelines, tanks, tankers and transport containers from paraffin-resin-asphaltene deposits. Its physicochemical properties, mechanism of action, impact on well productivity, as well as environmental advantages compared to traditional technologies are analyzed. The economic benefits of implementation are determined. The study is based on the report of the Research and Development Institute of JSC “Ukrnafta” on laboratory and experimental tests of “Surfix”

1. Introduction

Today, the development of oil fields in Ukraine is accompanied by a gradual decrease in well output, which necessitates the introduction of effective service technologies to extend the operating life. One of the main reasons for the loss of productivity is the accumulation of paraffins, asphaltenes and resins in pipelines, pumping equipment and the bottomhole zone of the reservoir. Within the framework of the study under contract No. 17/24-P, a three-stage program for assessing the solubility and dispersancy of Surfix was implemented

2. Purpose and objectives of the study

To study the solubility and dispersing ability of the solvent “Surfix” according to TU U 24.3-32480812-001:2009;

Conduct laboratory tests on samples of paraffin deposits of the Borislavsky deposit;

Conduct experimental tests on sandstone core material from the Nadvirna quarry and oil from the Rudovets field;

Determine the effect of the solvent on permeability, sample mass change, and filtration capacity recovery coefficients;

To assess the effectiveness of the solvent “Surfix” for cleaning equipment in the oil industry;

Analyze the effect of the drug on increasing well flow;

Investigate the physicochemical and toxicological and hygienic characteristics of the product;

Determine the environmental and economic feasibility of implementation.

3. Materials and research methods

Mass method for estimating the solubility of paraffins through the change in sample mass;

Filtration determination of dispersing ability;

Testing on porous media models (cores);

Measurement of permeability and recovery coefficient Kvid1 and Kvid2 after exposure to solvent;

Temperature tests at 20°C and 50°C, with varying exposure times up to 24 hours.

Industrial tests on wells of Pryluky and other fields;

Laboratory analysis of the degree of surface cleaning;

Document analysis: toxicological and hygienic passport, technical conditions (TU U 24.3-32480812-001:2009), dewaxing certificate (2006), protocols of the Pryluky deposit (2007).

Document analysis: toxicological and hygienic passport, technical conditions (TU U 24.3-32480812-001:2009), dewaxing certificate (2006), protocols of the Pryluky deposit (2007).

4. Research results

4.1 Physico-chemical properties of “Surfix”

• Transparent light brown liquid, mixes well with oil
• Specific gravity: 0.85 g/cm³;
• Viscosity: 8.51 cSt at +20°C;
• Boiling point: +200°C;
• Pour point: -30°C;
• Flash point in an open crucible: +65°C;
• It has no corrosive activity, acts as a corrosion inhibitor.

4.2 Solubility and dispersibility (Boryslav deposit)

In the temperature range of 20–40°C, dissolution of 88–100% of paraffin deposits was ensured;

Reduction of the residual mass of paraffin samples from 2.5 g to 0.0–0.34 g after 24 hours of contact with “Surfix”;

The addition of 5% fatty acids slightly reduced the dispersion efficiency (86.4%).

4.3 Impact on pore permeability (Rudovetske deposit)

“Surfix” effectively restores the permeability of cores with deposits of heavy oil components;

The optimal holding time in the reservoir is up to 12 hours: permeability recovery 4–14%;

When exposed for more than 18 hours, deterioration occurs by 7–24%;

Water-saturated cores reduce permeability to 33–38% of the initial level.

4.4 Environmental safety

Corresponds to toxicity class 4 (low-hazard substance);

Does not contain components that are harmful to deep oil processing;

Does not cause allergenic, carcinogenic or mutagenic effects;

Safe for personnel according to the MPC in the work area – 300 mg/m³.

4.5 Economic efficiency

Reducing the cost of ongoing equipment maintenance by up to 35%;

Increasing the service life of pumping equipment;

Reducing losses due to downtime and emergency stops.

5. Conclusions

“Surfix” confirms its high efficiency for dewaxing and cleaning of petroleum equipment.

Effectiveness depends on temperature and contact time – best results with 12 hours of exposure;

Pilot-industrial implementation in the wells of the Chernihivnaftogaz, Nadvirnaftogaz and Boryslavnaftogaz oil and gas enterprises is recommended in agreement with environmental services;

It is advisable to further scale up dewaxing programs and increase the throughput of Ukrainian oil and gas wells.

Widespread industrial implementation is possible in the Middle East, as well as in Kazakhstan, Canada and other countries.

Director of the Institute of Nanotechnologies and Organic Products “AVELIFE”, LLC, Timur LEVDA