Demulsification of water-in-oil emulsion
US8093304B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G2300/80
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of demulsifying a water-in-oil emulsion is provided. The method includes treating a volume of fluids comprising oil and water by adding a salt of a polynuclear, aromatic sulfonic acid to the fluids so as to cause the oil and water to be at least partially demulsified. The method may further include separating water and oil in a separator. A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface reservoir is also provided. The hydrocarbons include a water-in-oil emulsion. The method includes producing the hydrocarbons through a wellbore, and subjecting the water-in-oil emulsion to a salt of a polynuclear, aromatic sulfonic acid additive so as to cause the oil and water to be at least partially demulsified.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.