Inventors:
Mahendra Kumar Sharma - Kingsport TN
Ronald Allen Smith - Kingsport TN
Melissa Darlene Goodwin - Blountville TN
Assignee:
Eastman Chemical Company - Kingsport TN
International Classification:
C09K 300
Abstract:
A mutual solvent for use in oil and gas well operations comprising 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate and/or 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, a coupling solvent, and an acid stable surfactant. The coupling solvent is selected from ethylene glycol monobutyl ether; diethylene glycol monobutyl ether; propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate; propylene glycol monomethyl ether; C. sub. 1 -C. sub. 5 alkyl alcohol; and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to an emulsion for use in oil and gas well operations comprising an aqueous acid or acid-salt brine solution and the mutual solvent as described above. An emulsion according to the invention is stable, non-toxic, and effectively removes asphaltenic and paraffinic hydrocarbons from drilling equipment and oil and gas wells.