Here in California, we have heavy oil production with high asphaltene concentration, which quickly precipitates in the cyclic steam environment. We have used asphaltene dispersants for years, and the products are quite effective at this point. However, there is a lot of educating still to be done, as operators often try to steam their way out of a gummed-up well, or even hot oil or acid which only makes the problem worse. I think the market has grown, but probably not as fast as it should.
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Ken Lawrence
Well Remediation Engineer
Baker Hughes Inc
Shafter, CA
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Original Message:
Sent: Feb 06,2014 11:10 AM
From: Edith Wilson
Subject: Asphaltenes
I am curious to know if anyone has an idea of the market growth for asphaltene control products (used in wellbores and pipelines) over the past few years, as more low quality crude projects come on line (North America in particular). Many thanks to my engineering colleagues for engaging this geologist in your discussions.
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Edith Wilson
President and CEO
Rock Whisperer LLC
Tulsa OK
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