Abstract: Multi-valent metals, such as iron, may be removed from crude oil by introducing at least one metal removal chemical to the crude oil before, during or after the crude oil is charged to a settling tank. After mixing the metal removal chemical with the crude oil, the crude oil is kept still or held quiescent for an effective period of time to allow the metal species to settle to the bottom of the tank. Oil having reduced metal content may be removed from the top of the tank and/or metal-rich oil may be drained from the bottom of the tank or both. The crude oil having reduced metal content will cause fewer problems downstream in the refinery.

Abstract: In a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil, a surfactant is injected into the an oil well such that the surface tension between a lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and/or a lift gas-formation fluid foam is formed. The reduction in surface tension and/or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface. The surfactant is a silicone resin which may be combined with other surfactants, in some embodiments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A homopolymer of a monomer selected from those having the general formula: wherein: R1 is H or CH3; R2 is H or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; A is a straight or branched chain alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and R5, R6, and R7 each are independently an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or a copolymer of such monomers as acrylate, acrylamide or methacrylamide may be used to disperse metal sulfides prior to their forming scales during the production and transportation of crude oil. Terpolymers of dimethyldiallylammonium salt, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate; and acrylic acid may also be used for this purpose. The production fluid may also be treated with a compound that promotes the formation of dispersible sulfide scales.