Process for preparing thermally stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions

US9109151B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Intevep, S.A. · VE

Inventors

• Xiomara Gutierrez · Caracas, VE
• Luis Marcano · Los Teques, VE
• Migdalia Carrasquero · Miranda, VE
• Abel Ojeda · Carrizal, VE
• Jose Blanco · San Cristóbal, VE
• Hercilio José Rivas Siervo · La Morrocoya, VE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 25, 2008
• Grant date: Aug 18, 2015
• Expiry date: Nov 24, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C09K8/28
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for preparing a thermally stable well servicing fluid in the form of an oil-in-water (O/W) macroemulsion, a water-in-oil (W/O) macroemulsion or a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion at the well drilling location is provided. The servicing fluid is prepared by mixing a hydrocarbon phase, a water phase and a surfactant phase to obtain either an O/W macroemulsion, a W/O macroemulsion or a W/O microemulsion. The surfactant phase comprises a first surfactant and/or a second surfactant. The first surfactant comprises a fatty acid mixture and a hygroscopic first additive. The second surfactant comprises a C4-C6 alcohol. Whether or not an O/W macroemulsion, W/O macroemulsion or a W/O microemulsion is produced is determined by the concentration of the phases, the first surfactant, the second surfactant and the timing upon which the first additive, water phase and second surfactant are introduced to the mixture.