Where oil and gas production requires chemical inhibition to mitigate scale deposition, a major flow assurance challenge is one of residual inhibitor monitoring and validation. Timely, accurate data on treatment effectiveness and compliance is often required for operators to make application decisions on their scale management strategies that assure facility integrity and minimize production deferment.
“Poor data leads to poor decisions leads to poor solutions, which ultimately hurt your production. Good data, on the other hand, not only supports the safe delivery of current production, but also improves the design and development of future scale control strategies for the next generation of oil and gas fields.”
New detection technology for existing chemicals
Kemira’s new scale inhibition technology utilizes a novel detection protocol for the analysis and measurement of polymeric scale inhibitors in oilfield produced waters. It’s stated that, “even though they remain very effective in controlling scale at low, residual concentrations, these classes of inhibitors are difficult to detect. Comparing traditional, lengthy methods, using large, complex laboratory equipment, with our rapid and portable in-field test protocol; customers will enjoy multiple benefits from application of this new, complimentary technology.”
The development of this novel technology has been done in close collaboration with Kemira’s partner, Aqsens.
“Aqsens applied its experience in liquid fingerprinting to the protocol development for quantitative monitoring of polymeric scale inhibitors in oilfield produced waters, with the resulting platform matching laboratory-like performance.” says Paul Mundill, Chief Technical Officer, Aqsens Oy. “We optimized the entire package into a robust, sensitive and portable analytical system to provide facility operators or technicians with a reliable, in-field application for them to easily monitor their scale inhibition programs.”
In addition to the main detection protocol targeting low-level scale inhibitor residuals of continuous and end-of-squeeze treatments, the technology has two additional protocols that, for the first time, enable the full range of residual inhibitor concentrations to be monitored directly on the facility.
Deep insight – delivering innovation
“Kemira has been innovating in oilfield scale control for over 15 years, with the customers’ needs foremost in all our project objectives”, says Louis Rosati, Vice President R&D and Technology Kemira Oil and Gas . “Our novel scale inhibition monitoring technology demonstratesour commitment to support our customers’ operations and their business critical issues. Asking ‘how can we best service our customers?’ rather than ‘what else can we make?’ is the #1 question that drives our business.”
The new technology is being launched during the SPE International Oilfield Scale Conference and Exhibition at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 14-15 May 2014. We are also hosting a launch event on the evening of 13 May. Should you wish to attend please contact: anne.wardell@kemira.com.
*article has been modified on January 11, 2016. The technology is now sold with name KemConnect SI.