Subsea Chemicals Services

DEMULSIFIER AND DEOILER BOTTLE TESTING

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS has the capability to perform demulsifier bottle testing both in the laboratory in Aberdeen and also in the field. The bottle test kit comprises a wide range of demulsifier bases from many manufacturers and covers all the widely used chemistries along with some more novel raw materials. Experienced laboratory staff use these chemistries to formulate effective demulsifiers and deoilers and are qualified and suitably proficient to oversee the deployment and performance monitoring of these in the field.

DEMULSIFIERS & DEOILERS

OIL IN WATER ANALYSIS

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS perform routine oil in water determinations of produced waters by solvent extraction and IR analysis utilising an InfraCal TOG/TPH analyser.

DEOILER RANGE

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS’s range of deoilers consist of a wide range of various polymer chemistries formulated to produce a definitive finished product to aid the removal of the oil droplets from the produced water at the optimum dose.

DEOILER SELECTION AND APPLICATION

Selection of Deoilers is performed using an in-field bottle test similar to that used for demulsifier selection. Fresh produced water samples are used to test numerous base chemicals under exact operating conditions. The exact test employed will vary dependant on the process equipment present. Where possible ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS will screen more environmentally benign deoiler chemistries as and when they become available.

APPLIED CORROSION MONITORING (ACM) EQUIPMENT

This computer-driven facility is equipped with a wide range of techniques, including Linear Polarisation Resistance (LPR), Zero Resistance Ammeter (ZRA), Electrochemical Noise Measurement (ENM), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Harmonic Analysis, Potentiodynamic and galvanodynamic sweeps. ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS have also recently purchased localised corrosion monitoring software which is an interesting and useful addition to the range of screening that can be carried out. This versatile equipment permits up to 24 tests to be carried out simultaneously under different conditions and using the same or a combination of techniques.

LINEAR POLARISATION RESISTANCE (LPR) BUBBLE TEST

Linear Polarisation Resistance (LPR) is a commonly used technique carried out as a rapid screening technique on a large number of inhibitors before submitting for further test work. There is capability for conducting tests under sweet or sour conditions and at temperatures up to 95°C. Partitioning evaluations can also be carried out using the LPR equipment.

ROTATING CYLINDER ELECTRODES (RCE)

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS have Pine Instruments Rotating Cylinder Electrodes which are used to evaluate the persistency of corrosion inhibitors against high shear conditions similar to those experienced in the field. RCE allows ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS to rapidly evaluate the effect of flow on the performance of candidate products, as they will attain turbulent flow at low Reynolds numbers. The RCE can simulate flow shear stress values of up to 250 Pa shear stress values. Again, these RCE’s are controlled via the ACM equipment.

GALVANIC WELD TESTING

One of the 12 channel ACM units which ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS have in the Aberdeen laboratory is a weld tester. This equipment allows the screening of inhibitors against actual weld samples to evaluate any preferential corrosion in sections of the weld. This is carried out by running long term weld LPR sweep, long term weld galvanic measurement and long-term weld potential measurement.

LOCALISED CORROSION MONITORING (LCM)

Traditionally studies of localised corrosion have been carried out using coupon tests. The problem with these tests is that it takes a long time for you to see the results from your experiment, making it a slow screening tool.

The LCM technique has the ability to supply information relating to Localised Corrosion Monitoring in the initiation phase, both in terms of magnitude, an indication of the total depth of penetration as well as the general corrosion rate. The LCM technique looks for negative going transients in the potential data caused by localised events such as a pitting initiation process. These are converted into a quantity of Coulombs via a calibrating polarisation and a V/I transient calibration curve.

Even in situations where localised corrosion is beyond the initiation stage, higher than expected values from the general corrosion rate will tell the user that something is not acceptable.

This tool makes chemical screening faster when assessing chemicals against localised corrosion, which is a major problem experienced by a number of operators.

COUPON EVALUATION

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS regularly conduct static weight loss coupon tests; both on standard materials during the initial development stage and also on more specialised materials which have been specified or supplied by clients. Using high temperature equipment ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS have the capability for conducting tests in house at temperatures up to 200°C.

FIELD CORROSION MONITORING SIDE-STREAM UNIT

To facilitate effective corrosion management in the field ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS own and utilise a Corrosion Sidestream unit and Ceion high resolution metal loss technology.

Field fluids are fed through the sidestream, which houses the Ceion probe. This is connected to the data logger. As the Ceion probe, data logger and Handheld Unit (HHU) are intrinsically safe they can be used in the field and the data extracted at intervals for review. Weight loss readings and fluid temperatures are recorded at intervals, which are set manually for optimum flexibility. The data is then uploaded to the HHU, which can then be attached to a PC and the results viewed.

The injection rate can then be varied, and the results recorded. This allows optimum injection rates to be determined prior to full field application.

DETERMINATION OF CORROSION INHIBITOR RESIDUALS

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS perform routine analysis of produced waters for residual levels of corrosion inhibitors utilising a Pharo spectrophotometer and colorimetric techniques.

STATIC BOTTLE TEST

Two incompatible waters with the tendency to form scale are combined in a glass bottle, heated and any scale precipitated is observed. This test is primarily qualitative and gives an indication of which products are working under the scaling regime in test. The results act only as a primary selection process for removing chemicals with intolerance to the brine and those that give no protection. The test can be made quantitative by weighing the mass of scale precipitated, however a more effective means of quantifying scale inhibitor efficiency is to calculate scaling ion concentrations after any scale has formed.

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS recommend the testing of all products under static and dynamic conditions to obtain a product recommendation because the Dynamic scaling loop favours calcium carbonate formation over short timescales whereas the static jar test favours sulfate scaling over extended timescales.

SCALING PREDICTION MODELLING

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS uses the OLI Studio (previously known as ScaleChem) software package to evaluate potential and risk of different types of scale. This software allows us to quantify the likelihood and degree of scaling problems under different pressure and temperature conditions and also allows us to determine difficulties that are likely to be encountered on seawater breakthrough or when produced water streams are redirected to alternative lines, storage tanks or separators. ScaleChem software also allows us to consider the effects of changing pH and the effect of mixed phases and changes in gas composition and GOR/GLR, allowing us to scale potential at all stages of production and transport provided that appropriate data is supplied.

ScaleChem is frequently used by us to monitor the changing conditions experienced by the assets that we currently service. Any change observed in scaling potential allows us to re-evaluate the scale inhibitors and doses that are being deployed. Most commonly, ScaleChem predictions are performed following quarterly service visits. However, when large changes are detected in scaling potential, water analyses are conducted more frequently so that we can monitor the changes

SQUEEZE INHIBITOR CORE FLOOD TESTS

Regarding squeeze inhibitor testing, ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS currently sub-contracts core flood work.

PRODUCED WATER MONITORING

On a quarterly basis ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS harvest water samples from throughout the production system for 12-ion analysis at an external accredited laboratory. The data is used to build a scale prediction map and highlight the areas at most risk of scale deposition. These samples are included in the work-scope of the regular service visits to be carried out by a ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS Engineer/Chemist.

SCALE INHIBITOR RESIDUALS

Scale inhibitor residuals can either be performed using the Hyamine method or using an HPLC fitted with a suitable detector. ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS regularly performs this work for existing clients.

POUR POINT (ASTM D5853)

Pour point tests at ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS are based on ASTM D5853. We have made a couple of modifications to the test which are outlined in LWI-RX16. Modifications to the procedure were necessary to account for the fact that the ASTM procedure is not designed to be used for pour point depressant evaluations; it is the pour point test to be used when assaying crude oils.

WAX APPEARANCE TEMPERATURE (WAT)

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS does not carry out this work in-house but sub-contracts it to a commercial laboratory. Normally WAT is determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry but can also be performed by microscopy if photographs of crystal structure are required

ASPHALTENE

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS can offer a selection of Asphaltene Inhibitors such as RX-7304 for continuous injection and asphaltene dissolvers such as RX-7020.

BIOCIDES

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS can perform microbiological testing to determine the presence of different bacterial types using test kits such as Rapidchek II and Serial Dilution using modified Postgate’s medium. ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS can also evaluate the efficiency of biocides against different planktonic and sessile bacterial populations (single or field isolated). ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS is able to supply a most commonly used oilfield biocides which can be deployed by batch or continuous treatment.

SCAVENGERS

RX-5102D is our best-selling gas phase scavenger. ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS can also provide oxygen scavengers for water injection and other applications. Most commonly used is RX-202 which is a sulphite based scavenger but we can also supply non-sulphite based oxygen scavengers.

SCALE DISSOLVERS

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS has two main scale dissolvers

• RX-4421 for carbonate scale
• RX-4433 for sulphate scale – this is a chelant based product with added ingredients to increase the speed of action

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS can also provide dissolvers for iron sulphide and “schmoo”, halite and other types of inorganic deposit

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS has a number of novel non-petroleum derived wax dissolvers. These are selected and evaluated using a simple immersion wax dissolver test which can also be applied to other organic deposits.

The range of wax dissolvers includes traditional oil derived wax dissolvers such as RX-7020 and plant derived dissolvers such as RX-7492. These products are primarily used to remove waxy deposits but are also very effective against asphaltenes

With most dissolver treatments, we recommend batch treatment, soaking the affected area with dissolver with a small amount of agitation or movement at the same time. We understand that this is difficult to achieve in many situations and we have had good success with dosing our inhibitors into produced fluids. ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS representatives can give more guidance on the best deployment technique.

DRILLING & COMPLETIONS

DRILLING & COMPLETIONS

There are a number of stages throughout the drilling and completions phase where ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS speciality chemicals are used to improve drilling efficiency and performance.

WELLBORE CLEANUP CHEMICALS

RX-03X Well Cleaner and HYPERSOLV G Pipe Dope Dissolver

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS wellbore cleaners are designed to clean all drilling fluid systems at high and low temperatures. At the end of the drilling process, ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS cleaners remove drilling fluid and other residues that would remain in the wellbore. Efficient well clean-ups reduce cost, improve productivity and greatly contributes to the success of future well operations.

Pipe dope dissolver products are designed to remove pipe dope from the drill pipe. These grease type compounds can cause significant impairment of productivity and are used either as part of wellbore clean-out train or as a pipe pickle treatment.

LUBRICANTS

HyperGlide and Brine Lubricant RX-72TL

Treatment with ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS lubricants, significantly reduces the down-hole torque and drag forces exerted on subsurface strings. Our lubricants and friction reducers are applied to treat water, brine and water-based drilling fluids (WBM).

FILTER CAKE & FORMATION DAMAGE TREATMENTS

Uniflow Filter Cake & Formation Damage Remediation System

Whilst drilling the reservoir section, filter cake is created. Filter cake can restrict the flow of fluids through sand control screens and other types of completion hardware. ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS filter cake remediation treatments uniformly attack, breakdown, and remove filter cake, to maximise production potential, they can also be applied to treat other types of formation damage as well.

DRILLING & COMPLETION CHEMICALS FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS

STUCK PIPE RELEASE AGENTS (SPRA)

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS supply a range of SPRA to free deferentially stuck pipe in both OBM and WBM.

OILY SLOPS TREATMENT CHEMICALS

The addition of ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS chemicals in the separator tank will enable simple and efficient separation of oil, water and sand.

RIG WASH CHEMICALS

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS chemicals can be used for washing and cleaning dirt and debris from topside deck areas.

BESPOKE CHEMICAL DESIGN

ZODIAC MARINE SERVICES AND INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS PARTNERS carries out specialist R&D to provide individual drilling and completion chemical solutions to meet and exceed specific customer needs.

UNIFLOW PRODUCTS

Uniflow O-RX the remediation for oil-based filter cake and residues.

Uniflow W-RX the remediation for water-based filter cake and residues.

UniBreak breakers are supplementary additives, such as enzymes, added at a low concentration to the main Uniflow W-RX treatment fluid to degrade polymers in water based filter cakes.

UNIFLOW ADVANTAGES

UniFlow O-RX and W-RX are concentrated standalone products, simplifying handling and logistics. UniFlow O-RX and W-RX have two modes of action, to dissolve and disperse mud residues and remove potential sources of damage.

UniFlow O-RX and W-RX demonstrate enhanced stability in typical brines at elevated temperatures, and resist phase separation, so optimal performance is maintained. Both UniFlow O-RX and W-RX have acceptable environmental ratings.