Considerations for Scaling Up the Synthesis of a Glycine‐Based Ionic Demulsifier

• Published in: Chemical engineering & technology 2020-09, Vol.43 (9), p.1706-1715
• Main Authors: Guzmán‐Lucero, Diego, Cerón‐Camacho, Ricardo, Ocampo‐Barrera, René, Martínez‐Palou, Rafael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Crude oil; Demulsifier; Emulsions; Esterification; Glycine; Oil field equipment; Oil fields; Oilfield application; Reaction time; Reagents; Scale‐up; Scaling up; Synthesis
• ISSN: 0930-7516; 1521-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/ceat.202000014

The operating conditions for scaling up the synthesis in semibatch‐type reactors of an ionic‐esterified amino acid salt, namely, 2‐(tetradecyloxy)‐2‐oxoethanaminium methanesulfonate, a demulsifier for breaking crude oil‐in‐water emulsions, were established. The conversion and reaction time were studied at different temperatures on a laboratory scale, and the best conditions for the reaction were found at 90 °C. At different reaction scales up to an industrial reactor, the influence of reaction variables such as temperature, order and rate of reagent addition, and reaction time were studied. This progressive scaling study found the most suitable and safest conditions to carry out the industrial‐level scaling of a high‐performance product for oilfield application. Breaking of oil‐in‐water emulsions by demulsifiers is important in the transport of heavy crude oil. The synthesis of an ionic‐esterified amino acid salt demulsifier was progressively scaled up from laboratory to industrial scale. Thus, the best and safest conditions for carrying out the industrial‐level scale‐up of a high‐performance product for oilfield application were found.