ABSTRACT
Production chemistry issues occur as a result of chemical and physical changes to the well stream fluids, as it is transported from the reservoir through the processing system. The well stream fluids may consist of a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon (oil or condensate), gaseous hydrocarbon (raw natural gas), and associated water. This mixture passes from the reservoir, through the tubular string and wellhead, and then along flowlines to the processing plant where the various phases are separated. As the fluids will experience a significant drop in pressure, a change in temperature, and considerable agitation, there will be predictable and sometimes unpredictable changes in state that impact on the efficiency of the overall operation. Downstream of the processing plant, the oil will be exported to the refinery, the gas will be processed, and the water will be treated to remove impurities: these processes can lead to further complications.
