Calcium naphthenate is a problematic deposit which can adversely affect crude oil production. When naturally occurring naphthenic acids in crude oil come in contact with metal cations in produced water, under the right conditions of pH and temperature, naphthenate salts can form. While these salts are frequently found in crude oil, high concentrations can work to stabilize water-oil emulsions and precipitate to form unwanted deposits. This can create oil treating problems and poor water quality while heavy deposits can also plug pipelines and valves.
Acetic acid is a common prevention method when managing calcium naphthenate deposits, however with the use of acid, corrosion and environmental risks are heightened. Sterling offers a range of calcium naphthenate inhibitors and dispersants. Calcium naphthenate inhibitors are an effective and low cost alternative to acetic acid.