Foamers for unloading high-condensate gas wells
US9963629B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC11C3/10
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Foamable compositions useful for deliquifying gas wells, particularly gas wells having at least 40 vol. % of a hydrocarbon condensate, are disclosed. The compositions comprise, in addition to the condensate, an aqueous brine and 250 to 10,000 ppm of a monounsaturated betaine or sulfobetaine. A method for deliquifying the production line of a natural gas well is also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into a gas well a monounsaturated betaine or sulfobetaine to form a foamed composition, and removing at least a portion of the foamed composition from the production line. Certain betaines and sulfobetaines are remarkably effective in producing foams useful for gas well deliquification, particularly gas wells characterized by high or very high condensate levels. The inventive compositions and method provide a cost-effective way to enable thousands of gas wells to be utilized more productively.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.