Micro-Heterogeneous Solvent Mixtures for Removal of Organic Deposits from Various Surfaces

Abstract

The technical feasibility of using oxygenated solvent mixtures as an environmental and ecological friendly alternative to aromatic hydrocarbon and terpene solvents for removal of organic deposits from surfaces has been demonstrated. Micro-heterogeneous solvents were prepared using mixtures of di-alkyl ethers and 2-alkyl alkanols. These micro-heterogeneous solvents exhibit unique properties and are effective in solubilizing and removing organic asphaltenic hydrocarbon deposits from surfaces. The main applications of micro-heterogeneous solvents are in organic deposits removal from wellbores and near wellbore regions, heavy oil recovery from oil sands and oily sludges, and heavy oil processing equipment cleaning.