Enhancing crude oil production efficiency through emulsion viscosity reduction: An experimental study

ABSTRACT

The optimization of crude oil production processes is of paramount importance due to the significant costs associated with lifting fluids to the surface for processing. This study focuses on addressing one of the major challenges in oil production, namely the high emulsion viscosity and flow line pressure encountered during the lifting process, caused by the interaction of brine and crude oil with electrical submersible pumps. To mitigate these issues, an Emulsion Viscosity Reducer (EVR) was introduced into the production well at treatment rates of 1000 and 2000 ppm, respectively. The objective of this study was to experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of EVR in reducing emulsion viscosity and flow line pressure. To achieve this, samples of the production fluid were collected from wells before and after EVR injection, allowing for a comparative analysis. The impact of the study on production was assessed by measuring the fluid flow rate, which directly affects the overall production levels. Additionally, the study aimed to reduce the failures of electric submersible pumps, prolong their operational life, and optimize their maintenance. The experimental evaluation was conducted in the laboratory, where the treated and untreated samples were subjected to viscosity measurements at three different temperatures: 40, 50, and 60 °C. A viscosity meter was utilized to accurately determine the viscosity of the samples and provide quantitative data regarding the performance of EVR. The findings of this study demonstrated that the introduction of EVR resulted in a substantial reduction in emulsion viscosity and flow line pressure. Consequently, the fluid flow rate increased, leading to a significant boost in production levels. Moreover, the implementation of EVR contributed to a reduction in electric submersible pump failures, ensuring their efficient operation and extending their lifespan. The results obtained from this experimental study establish the efficacy of EVR in optimizing crude oil production processes.