Biodegradable non-acidic oil-in-water nanoemulsion

Abstract

Formulation for a natural product as a replacement for the use of traditional acidic chemical stimulation methods for the emulsification, removal and release of paraffin and asphaltenes from low producing or pumped off wells and reservoirs with the use of traditional methodologies. Also a method of use of formulation for stimulating an oil well consisting of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable, non-reactive fluid system containing a water-miscible fatty acid solvent, a solution of fatty acids, an amino alcohol, and at least one non-ionic surfactant. The fluid system may be further in the form of a nanoemulsion that is formed by combining a colloidal solution with one or more emulsifiers, an alcohol, and water. The fluid system may be used in well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.

1 . A biodegradable, non-acidic, oil-in-water nanoemulsion comprising
 (a) A micellar solution of fatty acids;   (b) a water-soluble organic solvent, wherein the water soluble organic solvent is an alcohol;   (c) an emulsifier;   (d) at least one non-ionic surfactant and   (e) water;   (f) wherein the nanoemulsion has an average droplet size from about 5 nm to about 50 nm in diameter, and   (g) wherein the nanoemulsion disperses and removes paraffin, asphaltenes deposits, sulfur, pipe dope and hydrocarbons.   
     
     
         2 . The nanoemulsion according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one fatty acid is a C8-C20 fatty acid. 
     
     
         3 . The nanoemulsion according to  claim 2  wherein the C8-C20 fatty acid is derived from coconut oil. 
     
     
         4 . The nanoemulsion according to  claim 1  wherein the emulsifier is an octyl phenol ethoxylate having an HLB value greater than 13.5. 
     
     
         5 . The nanoemulsion according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant is an alkylaryl polyether alcohol. 
     
     
         6 . The nanoemulsion according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one additional nonionic surfactant is a C9-C11 alkyl polyglucoside. 
     
     
         7 . The nanoemulsion according to  claim 1  wherein the fluid composition is a homogeneous liquid or gel at 0° C. 
     
     
         8 . The nanoemulsion according to  claim 1  wherein the fluid composition has a flash point in excess of 60° C. 
     
     
         9 . The nanoemulsion according to  claim 1  wherein the fluid composition is a transparent and thermodynamically stable liquid solution.