Production Maximization
- Enhanced Oil Recovery
- Calcium Naphthenate Inhibitors
- Emulsion Breakers
- Gas Well Deliquification
- Drag Reducing Agents
- Water Clarifiers
- Foam Control for Production Optimization
- Heavy Oil Viscosity Reducers
Contact Information
Global Nalco LocationsLocal Sales Offices
Energy Services Contacts
Nalco EAME Headquarters
Nalco Europe Sàrl
A-One Business Park
Z.A. La Pièce 1
Route de l’Etraz
1180 Rolle
Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0)21 614 6400
Foam Control for Production Optimization
Gas in produced crudes can cause foaming under several different conditions. For example:
1. When crude oil is being pumped through a heat exchanger, it undergoes turbulence. The light ends vaporize sooner than the heavier fractions. In the attempt of these vapors to escape before they can overcome the natural viscosity of the heavier fractions, foaming can occur.
2. Water in hydrocarbon under high pressure and temperature can cause severe foaming when released to atmospheric conditions as it tries to escape as a vapor.
Foam reduces the overall capacity of treating equipment and can make the goal of achieving pipeline or saleable oil difficult to obtain. Uncontrolled foam can lead to production tank overflow that translates to lost revenues and extra expenditures for cleanup operations. By maintaining control over foam, dehydration equipment will function more efficiently. Production losses are reduced and the volume of production transported to refineries is increased.
Antifoams are chemicals which, when added to a foaming system, will orient at the surface and break the film that stabilizes the foam. The use of chemical antifoams is the most popular method for foam control and has been used extensively globally. Total cost of operations and ROI are greatly improved by the proper selection of an antifoam program. Contact your Nalco representative for more information on Nalco’s antifoams.
