Experimental evaluation of residual polymer impacts on fluids separation in Colombian field conditions

Abstract

Summary This experimental study got to analyze the potential effects of residual polymer concentrations on production fluids in well produced and surface treatment conditions. The results provide an approach to understand the potential polymer effects on production fluids at laboratory scale and it will be the input to working on the problem mitigation at field scale. The evaluation in producing well conditions was carried out to identifying potential impacts of the residual polymer in BS&W, particle size distribution and viscosity of the W/O emulsions. If the emulsion have significant changes in those parameters, it could affect the systems for lifting and transport of production fluids. The evaluation at surface treatment conditions focused on observing the possible effects of the polymeric residual contents on the oil dehydration and water clarification processes. The experimental tests have highlighted a potential incompatibility between the water clarifiers currently used on site and the residual polymer contained in the back produced fluids. An adaptation or a change of these products is to be studied to maintain a good produced water quality on the field in EOR context.