Behavior and interaction of oil field additives in the surface equipment of RAG

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Authors

Abstract

This master thesis deals with the application of oil field chemicals in the producer network of RAG. Herein included are also the upstreams of the fields Hiersdorf, Sattledt, Eberstalzell and Mayersdorf as well as partially Kematen and Engenfeld; the research is dated to October 28th 2010. Excluding Kematen and Engenfeld, the oil producer network lies within an approximate radius of 7.5km around the station VZ (“Voitsdorf Zentrale”; Address: RAG Kremsmünster, Krift 50, A-4550 Kremsmünster) in the vicinity of the town Kremsmünster in Oberösterreich. A part of this master thesis deals with the analysis of the existing producer system and their respective upstreams – in detail with their co-produced formation water. Furthermore depositions of scale and paraffin are formed in the producers as well as in the subsequent piping system and surface installations due to i.e. pressure drops, temperature alterations, different flowing velocities etc. Additionally corrosion affects all parts of the system susceptible to it. The severity of scale precipitation and the corrosion rate at the single measuring sites was captured within the scope of possibilities. A part of the consequences of scale and paraffin deposits and corrosion effects resp. their avoidance is treated by constant addition of chemicals (“inhibition”). The investigated chemicals – from all those which are applied – are inhibitors for the treatment of corrosion, scale and paraffin problems, whereas chemicals with the purpose of separation and processing of the crude oil and formation water (de-emulsification, biocides) were not dealt with. Also not taken into consideration were residues of different stimulation methods (EDTA-treatments, acidizing workovers etc) and external influences (tailings pond). The investigation’s main focus was on a possible mutual interference of the investigated chemicals and an accordingly impact on the flood water quality. As reference as rating parameters served the injectivity (composite parameter of the flood water quality), the hardness with calcium and magnesium content as well as the sulphate, the iron and residual oil content. Eventually it was thought about an alternative to chemical well inhibition and treatment and its implementation was initiated.

Details

Translated title of the contributionVerhalten und Wechselwirkung von Ölfeldadditiven in den Obertageeinrichtungen der RAG
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Awarding Institution
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Schöbel, Andreas, Supervisor (external), External person
  • Hofstätter, Herbert, Supervisor (internal)
Award date8 Apr 2011
Publication statusPublished - 2011