Preparation and Performance of a Demulsifier Based on Nanocrystalline Cellulose

Surfactants of various types are frequently used in the development of gas fields. It will result in significant emulsification of oil and water in the generated fluid. To achieve the goal of oil and water separation, the condensate emulsion must be demulsified. A nano-demulsifier based on nanocrystalline cellulose was created by grafting modification on its surface, and employed in the chemical demulsification process of condensate emulsion. The results showed that the produced demulsifier has a nanocrystalline cellulose fiber structure and good demulsification capability. The dehydration rate of condensate emulsion might reach 94% at the concentration of 0.5 wt.%. The demulsifier has a lower applied concentration, a better demulsification effect, and a higher separation efficiency when compared to commercial products. It will effectively handle the demulsification problem of gas field condensate emulsion and give technological support for long-term and steady gas well production.