Learning Objectives

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

1. Introduction to Process Chemical Testing in Oilfield Operations

• Understand the importance of testing process chemicals for efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Identify common challenges in oilfield operations that require chemical treatment (scaling, corrosion, emulsions, microbial growth, etc.).
• Learn about industry standards and specifications for chemical testing (API, ASTM, ISO, NACE, REACH, OSHA, EPA).

2. Laboratory Testing Methods for Process Chemicals

• Scale Inhibitor Testing:
• Dynamic tube blocking tests.
• Static jar tests.
• Induction time measurements for scale precipitation.
• Corrosion Inhibitor Testing:
• Rotating Cylinder Electrode (RCE) testing.
• Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR) method.
• Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).
• Demulsifier Testing:
• Bottle testing for water separation efficiency.
• Turbidity measurements in water phase.
• Interfacial tension measurement.
• H₂S and CO₂ Scavenger Testing:
• Gas absorption capacity analysis.
• Gas chromatography for sulfur removal efficiency.
• Wettability testing for scavenger compatibility.
• Wax and Asphaltene Inhibitor Testing:
• Cold finger test for wax deposition analysis.
• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for wax inhibition efficiency.
• Asphaltene dispersion test using spectroscopy.
• Hydrate Inhibitor Testing:
• High-pressure rocking cell testing for kinetic inhibitors.
• Thermodynamic hydrate dissociation curve analysis.

3. Field Testing and On-Site Chemical Performance Evaluation

• Scale Inhibitor Field Testing:
• Water analysis for scale-forming ion concentrations.
• Field application of threshold inhibitors and real-time monitoring.
• Corrosion Monitoring in Pipelines and Equipment:
• Corrosion coupons and weight loss analysis.
• Electrical resistance (ER) probes for corrosion rate monitoring.
• Biocide Efficiency Testing:
• Microbial growth analysis using serial dilution methods.
• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) bioluminescence for microbial detection.
• Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) activity tests.
• On-Site Water Analysis:
• Total dissolved solids (TDS) and total suspended solids (TSS) testing.
• pH, salinity, and conductivity measurements.
• Sulfate, bicarbonate, chloride, and iron content analysis.

4. Chemical Compatibility and Stability Testing

• Assess chemical interactions with crude oil, water, and formation fluids.
• Conduct long-term stability tests under field temperature and pressure conditions.
• Perform compatibility testing with existing treatment chemicals and additives.

5. Chemical Dosage Optimization and Performance Evaluation

• Determine minimum effective concentration (MEC) for various chemical treatments.
• Compare batch vs. continuous injection strategies for process efficiency.
• Optimize chemical injection points for maximum performance.

6. Troubleshooting and Common Issues in Chemical Testing

• Identify causes of chemical underperformance (overdosing, dilution, contamination, degradation).
• Troubleshoot field problems related to improper chemical application.
• Implement corrective measures for treatment adjustments and cost reduction.

7. Regulatory Compliance and Safety in Chemical Testing

• Ensure compliance with EPA, OSHA, REACH, API, and industry regulations.
• Implement safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals in lab and field tests.
• Follow best practices for chemical waste disposal and environmental impact reduction.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world case studies on chemical treatment performance testing.
• Participate in hands-on laboratory and field testing exercises.
• Develop a customized testing protocol for a specific oilfield application.

Target Audience

• Production and petroleum engineers
• Laboratory technicians and chemists
• Field operators and maintenance personnel
• Process engineers and flow assurance specialists
• HSE and regulatory compliance officers