Process for removing and preventing near-wellbore damage due to asphaltene precipitation
US5425422A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/40
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, there is now provided a method for removing asphaltene deposits in a well environment such as the wellbore and near-wellbore regions, comprising the injection of deasphalted oil therein to solubilize the asphaltene deposits obstructing the well environment. More specifically, the method of the invention comprises the injection of deasphalted oil into the wellbore and the near-wellbore formation followed by a soaking period and a production period. The method of the present invention has the great advantage of readily dissolving precipitated asphaltene in a well environment without other costly treatments such as the use of solvents like xylene or toluene. Furthermore, the present method does not require the incorporation of any additives in the deasphalted oil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.