METHODS FOR SELECTION OF A NAPHTHENATE SOLIDS INHIBITOR AND TEST KIT, AND METHOD FOR PRECIPITATING NAPHTHENATE SOLIDS

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for identifying an inhibitor to the formation of naphthenate solids in a liquid hydrocarbon including contacting a sample of the liquid hydrocarbon with an inhibitor and a buffered aqueous solution, observing the extent of formation of naphthenate solids, if any, the extent of formation of naphthenate solids being indicative of the effectiveness of the inhibitor, and repeating the steps, if necessary, until a suitable inhibitor is identified. The present invention also relates to a method for identifying an inhibitor to the formation of naphthenate scale in a liquid hydrocarbon system as well as test kits for use in the methods.