Emulsifier

Emulsifiers for Oilfield Cleaning Applications
Emulsifiers are specialized surfactants used in oilfield cleaning operations to facilitate the removal of hydrocarbon deposits, drilling mud residues, and other contaminants from wellbores, pipelines, and surface equipment. These chemicals work by reducing interfacial tension between oil and water phases, creating stable emulsions that can be flushed out of the system. Oleyl monoethanolamide, a key component in high-performance emulsifiers, provides excellent oil-wetting properties and thermal stability (up to 150°C/302°F), making it particularly effective for heavy oil and paraffin removal. The emulsification process enhances cleaning efficiency while minimizing water consumption and environmental impact.

UNPChemicals' EUMET Series Emulsifiers
The EUMET series represents UNPChemicals' advanced emulsifier technology for oilfield cleaning, combining oleyl monoethanolamide derivatives with tailored co-surfactants to optimize performance. These formulations deliver rapid penetration into organic deposits, efficient emulsification of viscous hydrocarbons, and compatibility with both acidic and alkaline cleaning systems. EUMET products are designed for challenging conditions, including high-salinity environments and low-temperature operations, ensuring thorough cleaning of downhole tools, flowlines, and storage tanks without damaging metal surfaces or elastomers. Their low-toxicity profiles meet stringent environmental regulations for offshore and onshore applications.

Emulsifiers for Oilfield Cleaning Operations
Emulsifiers are essential chemical agents used in oilfield maintenance to break down and remove stubborn hydrocarbon deposits, pipe scale, and drilling fluid residues. These specialized surfactants function by forming micelles around oil particles, converting them into water-dispersible emulsions for easy flushing. UNPChemicals' EUMET series incorporates oleyl monoethanolamide technology to deliver superior cleaning performance with enhanced biodegradability, making it ideal for environmentally sensitive areas while maintaining effectiveness in high-temperature (up to 160°C) and high-salinity conditions.

Why are emulsifiers necessary for oilfield cleaning?

Emulsifiers play a critical role in oilfield cleaning by solubilizing heavy hydrocarbons and solid deposits that standard detergents cannot remove. They enable efficient cleaning of wellbores, pipelines, and storage tanks without mechanical scraping, reducing equipment damage risk. The EUMET series specifically targets asphaltene and paraffin buildup, common challenges in mature fields, while complying with offshore discharge regulations.

How does oleyl monoethanolamide improve emulsifier performance?
Oleyl monoethanolamide provides dual functionality as both a surfactant and corrosion inhibitor. Its long hydrophobic chain enhances oil solubility, while the ethanolamide group improves water compatibility, creating stable microemulsions. This chemistry allows EUMET emulsifiers to penetrate dense hydrocarbon layers 40% faster than conventional products, significantly reducing cleaning time in field applications.

Can these emulsifiers be used in sensitive environments?
Yes, the EUMET series is formulated with biodegradable components that pass OECD 306 seawater biodegradability tests (>60% in 28 days). The products exclude alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) and heavy metals, meeting OSPAR and EPA standards for offshore use. Field trials in the North Sea demonstrate effective cleaning with negligible ecotoxicity.

What cleaning methods work best with these emulsifiers?
Three primary methods are recommended: 1) Circulating emulsifier solutions through pipelines (2-5% concentration, 4-6 hours contact time); 2) Soaking equipment in heated emulsifier baths (60-80°C) for heavy deposits; 3) Combining with pigging operations for pipeline cleaning, where EUMET formulations reduce pigging frequency by 30%. The choice depends on deposit type and system configuration.

How do you measure emulsifier effectiveness?
Key metrics include: 1) Interfacial tension reduction (target <1 mN/m by Du Noüy ring method); 2) Emulsion stability (>4 hours without phase separation); 3) Cleaning efficiency (measured by hydrocarbon removal rate from coupon tests); and 4) Corrosion rate (<0.1 mm/yr per NACE TM0169). EUMET products typically achieve 90-95% deposit removal in API-approved testing protocols.

Are there temperature limitations for these emulsifiers?
Standard EUMET formulations operate effectively between -20°C to 160°C. For extreme conditions (e.g., steam-assisted gravity drainage at 200°C+), we offer thermally stabilized variants with polymeric additives that maintain performance while resisting molecular degradation. All grades demonstrate freeze-thaw stability for Arctic applications.