Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Introduction to Process Chemicals in Oilfield Operations

• Understand the role of process chemicals in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
• Identify the significance of process chemicals in preventing operational challenges (scaling, corrosion, emulsions, wax/asphaltene deposition, hydrate formation, and microbial growth).
• Learn about chemical compatibility with crude oil, produced water, and formation fluids.

2. Classification of Process Chemicals and Their Applications

• Flow Assurance Chemicals:
• Scale inhibitors.
• Corrosion inhibitors.
• Wax and asphaltene inhibitors.
• Drag-reducing agents (DRA).
• Hydrate inhibitors (thermodynamic and kinetic inhibitors).
• Separation and Processing Chemicals:
• Demulsifiers.
• Water clarifiers.
• Foamers and defoamers.
• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Chemicals:
• Surfactants, polymers, and alkaline agents.
• CO₂ and nitrogen injection additives.
• H₂S and CO₂ Control Chemicals:
• Amine-based gas sweeteners.
• Scavengers for H₂S and oxygen removal.
• Microbial Control and Biocides:
• Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) inhibitors.
• Biocides for pipeline and reservoir microbial contamination control.

3. Specifications and Standards for Process Chemicals

• Learn about chemical specifications and testing standards:
• API (American Petroleum Institute) Standards.
• ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Methods.
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Guidelines.
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) Compliance.
• EPA and OSHA safety regulations.
• Understand quality control (QC) parameters for process chemicals:
• Purity, stability, and concentration.
• Thermal and chemical degradation resistance.
• Environmental and safety compliance.

4. Chemical Performance Evaluation and Testing

• Conduct bottle tests and compatibility tests for demulsifiers and water clarifiers.
• Evaluate scale inhibitors through dynamic tube blocking and static jar tests.
• Test corrosion inhibitors using rotating cylinder electrodes (RCE) and linear polarization resistance (LPR).
• Analyze biocide efficiency using microbial growth analysis.
• Assess H₂S scavenger performance using gas absorption techniques.

5. Chemical Dosage and Application Techniques

• Determine effective minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) for optimal treatment.
• Compare batch vs. continuous injection strategies.
• Optimize chemical injection points for maximum efficiency.

6. Environmental and HSE Considerations for Process Chemicals

• Understand toxicity, biodegradability, and environmental impact of oilfield chemicals.
• Ensure compliance with offshore and onshore chemical handling regulations (OSPAR, MARPOL, EPA, REACH, etc.).
• Implement best practices for safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.

7. Troubleshooting and Case Studies

• Identify common issues related to process chemical selection and performance.
• Review real-world case studies on chemical treatment success and failures.
• Participate in practical exercises for chemical selection and performance optimization.

8. Practical Applications and Hands-On Training

• Work with chemical selection software and field simulation tools.
• Perform on-site chemical testing using oilfield analytical techniques.
• Develop a customized chemical treatment program for a specific operational scenario.

Target Audience

• Production and petroleum engineers
• Field operators and maintenance personnel
• Process engineers and flow assurance specialists
• HSE and regulatory compliance officers
• Chemical treatment and service company personnel