Development of Demulsifiers for SAGD Process

Abstract This study centers on exploring how polymer structures affect demulsification of SAGD fluids, and on developing a solution package for SAGD fluid separation. This is achieved through a blend of R&D synthetic demulsifier (DMO) intermediates and feedback from field bottle testing. The research covers the design and optimization of DMO intermediates through synthesis, development of DMO formulations, and addresses application challenges and outcomes. A branched polymer was chosen as the primary DMO intermediate, building on prior testing outcomes. Various polymer structures, such as block branched copolymers, random branched copolymers, and "tip-cap" block branched copolymers, were evaluated based on their molecular weight (mwt) and polypropylene oxide and polyethylene oxide (PO/EO) ratio. While the demulsification process shows high tolerance for polymer mwt and the PO/EO ratio, the arrangement of PO and EO units’ sequence in the polymer demonstrates significant sensitivity to demulsification. The synthetic polymer, when combined synergistically with the DMO package, met customer key performance indicators (KPIs) and surpassed all incumbent KPIs in terms of dehydration, interface management, and water quality.