Equinor has patented a method to manage metal naphthenates in produced hydrocarbons by injecting acid and sour gas to control pH levels. This prevents the formation of metal naphthenates during artificial lift procedures. GlobalData’s report on Equinor gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Equinor, Oil well fracking was a key innovation area identified from patents. Equinor's grant share as of May 2024 was 50%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Preventing metal naphthenates formation in produced hydrocarbons using acid
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11965131B2) discloses a method for preventing or mitigating the formation of metal naphthenates in produced hydrocarbons during an artificial lift procedure. The method involves injecting acid and sour gas simultaneously into the produced hydrocarbons in a production well to facilitate lift and control the pH of the fluids to prevent an increase above a threshold pH value. By maintaining the pH below this threshold, the formation of metal naphthenates is prevented or mitigated, which can have detrimental effects on production equipment and processes.
Furthermore, the method includes controlling the pH to remove metal naphthenates formed in the reservoir from which the hydrocarbons are produced. The patent also specifies the types of metal naphthenates targeted, such as oil-soluble metal naphthenates and calcium naphthenates. Additionally, the method involves injecting the acid and sour gas deep into the production well to ensure effective treatment close to the lower completion section. The use of specific acids, simulation techniques, and temperature differentials between the injected fluids and reservoir fluids are also detailed in the patent claims, highlighting a comprehensive approach to addressing metal naphthenate issues in hydrocarbon production.
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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
