ABSTRACT
A program is in operation at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska which injects emulsion breaker downhole with lift gas to enhance production. This paper addresses the reasons emulsions can limit production in a gas lifted well and the benefits that can be realized by breaking the emulsion downhole. A discussion of the simple but effective produced fluids emulsion screening test and the field implementation of downhole emulsion breaker in wells at Prudhoe Bay are included in this paper.
The emulsion breaker inhibits the formation of highly viscous emulsions by acting downhole. Along with increased production of nearly 3000 bopd for 22 wells, gas lift efficiency has been enhanced, heading of these wells has decreased, and less back pressure in the produced fluid gathering lines to the processing facility has been observed. The processing facilities have also experienced a reduction in the amount of emulsion breaker usage and a reduction in the volume of unbreakable emulsion pads going to produced water disposal.
Wells that are gas lifted, produce small fines, and generally are above 50% water cut may be susceptible to production of high viscosity emulsions. Downhole emulsion breaker injection can result in lower friction losses in the tubing string and other benefits in the entire production system. Downhole emulsion breaker injection can provide system wide benefits when tight emulsions are being produced.
