Abstract: A method for managing metal naphthenates in produced hydrocarbons includes injecting acid and/or sour gas into produced hydrocarbons in a production well, flowline or riser, to thereby control the pH of fluids contained in the produced hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of assessing the effect of a production chemical on the stability of a water and oil emulsion, the emulsion comprising the production chemical, is provided. The method comprises: applying a potential difference across the emulsion at a detection site; measuring a current flowing through the emulsion due to the applied potential difference; and using this measured current to assess the effect of the production chemical. The step of using the measured current to assess the effect of the production chemical may comprise determining, based on the measured current, whether a critical potential of the emulsion has been reached or exceeded. The emulsion may be a crude oil emulsion. It may be a water-in-oil emulsion. The production chemical may be an emulsion breaker. Also provided is an apparatus for assessing the effect of a production chemical on a water and oil emulsion.

Abstract: A method for managing metal naphthenates in produced hydrocarbons includes injecting acid and/or sour gas into produced hydrocarbons in a production well, flowline or riser, to thereby control the pH of fluids contained in the produced hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for desalting produced hydrocarbons includes injecting reduced-salinity water into produced hydrocarbons in a production well or riser, to dilute high-salinity produced water contained in the produced hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of assessing the effect of a production chemical on the stability of a water and oil emulsion, the emulsion comprising the production chemical, is provided. The method comprises: applying a potential difference across the emulsion at a detection site; measuring a current flowing through the emulsion due to the applied potential difference; and using this measured current to assess the effect of the production chemical. The step of using the measured current to assess the effect of the production chemical may comprise determining, based on the measured current, whether a critical potential of the emulsion has been reached or exceeded. The emulsion may be a crude oil emulsion. It may be a water-in-oil emulsion. The production chemical may be an emulsion breaker. Also provided is an apparatus for assessing the effect of a production chemical on a water and oil emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of an alkanol (e.g. butanol) comprising converting a carbon source such as a biomass into a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof using a microorganism, and electrochemically reducing said acid to said alkanol, as well as an apparatus for carrying out said process.