Introduction
The electromagnetic technology, utilizing low-frequency waves, effectively prevents asphaltene deposition in wells and pipelines.
The system is easily installed on the surface, transmitting electromagnetic signals through metal-to-metal connections into the pipelines without negatively impacting production processes. This technology is capable of continuously and sustainably preventing deposition issues, ensuring optimal system performance over the long term. The electromagnetic wave generator device has an extremely low energy consumption, enabling it to be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar power.
This feature makes the device environmentally friendly. Additionally, it has a high potential to reduce operational costs by preventing expensive repairs and minimizing production losses. As a result, this technology can lead to millions of dollars in cost savings over the course of a year.
Features and Benefits
- Continuous, lifetime protection.
- Reduction or elimination of repetitive deposit removal operations, such as mechanical interventions, chemical injections, etc.
- Protection against deposit adhesion.
- Safeguarding all wet pipes and internal equipment, including pipes, valves, pumps, filters, etc.
- Green technology with low electrical energy consumption.
- Reduction of HSE risks by minimizing maintenance activities, personnel transport, and the use of major chemicals and equipment.
- Ideal for remote areas.
- Minimal space requirements on-site.
- Surface installation with no intervention in wells or production loss.
- Cost savings in equipment recovery and replacement.
- Offering an alternative solution to the use of injected chemical inhibitors.
How Does scale Form?
Asphaltene deposits in oil pipeline systems typically form due to physical and chemical changes in the composition of crude oil. This process can occur for various reasons, such as pressure or temperature reductions, changes in the chemical composition of the oil, or variations in the flow rate within the pipelines. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Temperature and Pressure Changes
When crude oil moves from underground to the surface, its temperature and pressure change. These changes can cause heavier, insoluble components of the oil (such as asphaltenes) to transition from a dissolved to a solid or suspended state, leading to deposition in the pipelines.
Chemical Composition of Oil
Crude oil typically contains a variety of compounds, some of which include asphaltenes. Asphaltenes are heavy, complex, and unstable compounds that may precipitate under specific conditions, such as pressure and temperature changes or reactions with additives. The presence of other chemicals, such as sulfides or organic compounds, can also help trigger asphaltene deposition.
Disruption in Oil Flow
At times, the flow rate of oil in the pipelines may decrease or stop (such as in pump stations). This can lead to an increase in asphaltene deposition, as the reduced flow provides more opportunity for asphaltenes to settle and form deposits.
Increased Asphaltene Concentration
Occasionally, due to an increase in the concentration of asphaltenes in the crude oil (such as an increased ratio of heavy to light components), the conditions for asphaltene deposition are more likely to occur.
How the Electromagnetic Technology Works
The primary function of the device relies on the creation of a magnetic field along the pipeline, which prevents suspended particles from adhering to the wellbore walls in a stable manner. As a result, no deposition occurs on the wellbore walls.
Additionally, the adhesion strength of pre-existing deposits on the pipe walls is weakened over time (up to 6 months) under the influence of electromagnetic waves, gradually loosening the deposits and allowing them to move along the production flow.
Since the main function of this device is to prevent deposition rather than rapidly remove deposits from the wellbore walls, it is always recommended to expose the candidate well to electromagnetic waves after cleaning and decontaminating, in order to evaluate its performance more accurately and effectively.
