An operator in the Campos Basin offshore Brazil wanted a more effective subsea demulsifier for its oil field located in water depths of 1,400 m [4,600 ft]. Meeting stringent safety criteria—including a flash point > 60 degC [> 140 degF] and a formulation free of methanol, organohalogens, acrolein, and chromate—while ensuring full compatibility with MEG posed significant challenges.
The rigorous product qualification protocol for subsea applications coupled with the necessity to maintain cost efficiency added to project complexity.
On receiving detailed technical specifications, including critical parameters for testing, SLB embarked on a product development journey. The criteria included achieving 80% water separation in a well sample at 45 degC [113 degF] and 50% separation at 20 degC [68 degF] during a 30-min test, ensuring water quality by meeting the operator’s oil-in-water (OIW) specifications, and fostering a clear interface.
The fit-for-purpose solution DS-83066 successfully navigated the stringent umbilical qualification protocol, paving the way for further testing and validation. Bolstered by favorable laboratory results and cost considerations, SLB was entrusted with executing the field trial.
During rigorous field testing, the new demulsifier consistently exceeded all evaluation criteria, including maintaining stable well production pressure, optimizing oil flow rates, and facilitating effective oil-water separation. The tangible and quantifiable results underscored the product's ability to enhance operational stability and efficiency under real-world conditions as well as SLB's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive excellence and customer satisfaction. In addition to replacing the incumbent third-party product with DS-83066, SLB is also supplying other production chemicals, such as the topside demulsifier EB-82223 and subsea scale inhibitor DS-42056, for this project.
