Compositions for the dissolution of calcium naphthenate and methods of use
View Patent ↗Described is a composition and method of use for the dissolution of calcium naphthenate solids in the presence of water. The composition includes at least one carboxylic acid; and a mutual solvent that includes ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
1. A method of dissolving calcium naphthenate solids in the presence of water; the method comprising:
providing a treatment composition comprising:
at least one carboxylic acid; and
a mutual solvent comprising ethylene glycol monobutyl ether;
wherein the composition comprises at least 30 wt % ethylene glycol monobutyl ether;
and exposing calcium naphthenate solids to the treatment composition.
2. The method according to claim 1 comprising contacting calcium naphthenate solids with the treatment composition in the presence of water.
3. The method according to claim 1 comprising contacting a mixture of calcium naphthenate solids and produced water with the treatment composition.
4. The method according to claim 1 comprising contacting naphthenic acid solids with the treatment composition at ambient temperature.
5. The method according to claim 1 forming solid naphthenate and an aqueous calcium salt.
6. The method according to claim 5 comprising converting solid naphthenate to liquid naphthenic acid.
7. The method according to claim 5 comprising solubilising the calcium and hydrocarbon components of the naphthenate solid using the single-phase composition.
8. The method according to claim 1 comprising contacting the treatment composition with naphthenic acid solids in or on downhole wells, injection wells, a formation, hydrocarbon production equipment, downhole equipment, tubulars, surface equipment, topside process equipment and/or a vessel.
9. The method according to claim 1 comprising pumping the treatment composition into a well to dissolve calcium naphthenate solids in a well.
10. The method according to claim 1 comprising exposing calcium naphthenate solids to the treatment composition for a period of at least 30 minutes to dissolve the calcium naphthenate solids.
11. The method according to claim 1 comprising exporting spent treatment composition with produced oil.
12. The method according to claim 1 comprising contacting the treatment composition with naphthenic acid solids in or on a subterranean formation to dissolve calcium naphthenate solids blocking or partially blocking pores in the subterranean formation.