Investigation of Magnetic Field Treatment Method for Mitigating ARPD and Salt Deposition in Oilfield Systems

Abstract

The article investigates the problem of preventing the formation of asphalt–resin–paraffin deposits (ARPD), salt deposits, and mechanical impurities in oilfield equipment and pipeline systems. The negative impact of these deposits on production efficiency, including reduced flow capacity, increased hydraulic resistance, accelerated corrosion, and operational failures, is analyzed. As an alternative to conventional methods, a reagent-free magnetic field treatment is proposed. The mechanism of this method is explained by structural changes in oil–water emulsions and mineralized solutions, the formation of nano-scale induction domains, and the suppression of crystallization nuclei. The conducted analysis and experimental results show that magnetic field treatment can reduce ARPD formation by up to 90%, salt deposition by approximately 45%, decrease corrosion rates by 50–95%, and lower hydrate formation probability by 3–5 times. As a result, this method is considered an effective and environmentally friendly technology applicable in oilfields characterized by high paraffin content and highly mineralized formation waters.

In this context, reagent-free magnetic field treatment of oil–water emulsions and formation water has attracted increasing attention as an environmentally friendly alternative. This study investigates the effectiveness and physical mechanisms of magnetic field treatment in reducing ARPD formation, salt deposition, corrosion activity, and hydrate formation in oilfield systems. The analysis is based on field observations, experimental data, and theoretical considerations of non-homogeneous thermodynamic systems subjected to weak and constant magnetic fields.

The results indicate that magnetic treatment can reduce ARPD formation by up to 90% and salt scaling by approximately 45%, while simultaneously decreasing corrosion rates by 50–95% and reducing hydrate formation probability by three to five times. The observed effects are attributed to the structural reorganization of oil–water emulsions and saline solutions, the formation of ordered nano-scale induction domains, and the suppression of crystallization nuclei on metal surfaces.

The findings confirm that magnetic field treatment is a promising multifunctional flow assurance technology that can be effectively applied in oil production systems characterized by high paraffin content and highly mineralized formation waters.