Naphthenate Inhibitors and Dissolvers | SLB

Naphthenate Inhibitors and Dissolvers

Combat complex soap formation

Production chemicals

Naphthenate inhibitors—avoid shutdowns

Some crude oils contain long-chain naphthenic and carboxylic acids. As production fluids depressurize, certain compositional changes lead to a reaction between these acids and metal ions in produced water. Insoluble salts such as naphthenate and carboxylate soaps and scales form.

We have developed proprietary technology encompassing application methodology and high-performance nonacidic naphthenate inhibitors, which provides a highly effective approach to your specific needs.

Maximize results with a comprehensive and customized treatment

Laboratory test methodologies are based on the type of naphthenate treatment required to achieve the desired results. Factors that must be considered include field conditions, production system design, and fluid characteristics.

Our field monitoring techniques encompass treatment economics and effectiveness as well as environmental and safety issues.

Schlumberger field operator near oil treatment unit.
Naphthenate management: Oil treaters on an FPSO.

Naphthenate dissolvers—restore production

In untreated systems, naphthenate soap accumulations can occur very quickly and plug valves, separator internals, and pumps. With a propensity to accumulate as hard, consolidated deposits, naphthenate soap scales can significantly reduce process system capacities, residence times, and operational efficiency. If left unaddressed, they can lead to total production shutdown and loss of revenue.

Our experts have long experience in designing customized treatments that remove naphthenate deposits with optimal efficiency. Using field information, laboratory evaluations are designed and conducted to validate dissolver packages, ensuring selection of the most effective remedial chemical treatment.

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