The technical feasibility of using oxygenated solvent mixtures as an environmental and ecological friendly alternative to aromatic hydrocarbon and terpene solvents for removal of organic deposits from surfaces has been demonstrated. Micro-heterogeneous solvents were prepared using mixtures of di-alkyl ethers and 2-alkyl alkanols. These micro-heterogeneous solvents exhibit unique properties and are effective in solubilizing and removing organic asphaltenic hydrocarbon deposits from surfaces. The main applications of micro-heterogeneous solvents are in organic deposits removal from wellbores and near wellbore regions, heavy oil recovery from oil sands and oily sludges, and heavy oil processing equipment cleaning.

Keywords:
asphaltene inhibition, remediation of hydrates, dhe 2bo, geology, hydrate inhibition, scale inhibition, upstream oil & gas, united states government, asphaltene remediation, production chemistry
Subjects:
Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Processing Systems and Design, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Unconventional and Complex Reservoirs, Inhibition and remediation of hydrates, scale, paraffin / wax and asphaltene, Oil sand, oil shale, bitumen
Copyright 2023, Society of Petroleum Engineers DOI 10.2118/213794-MS
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