US 11,987,745 B2
Solvent mixtures for downhole elemental sulfur removal and formation stimulation
Kevin A. Harnsberry, Beaumont, TX (US); and Paul Scott Northrop, Lexington, KY (US)
Assigned to ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Spring, TX (US)
Filed by ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Spring, TX (US)
Filed on Jun. 12, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/332,821.
Application 18/332,821 is a division of application No. 17/936,282, filed on Sep. 28, 2022, granted, now 11,739,251.
Application 17/936,282 is a division of application No. 17/229,234, filed on Apr. 13, 2021, granted, now 11,492,540, issued on Nov. 8, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/009,633, filed on Apr. 14, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0323189 A1, Oct. 12, 2023
Int. Cl. C09K 8/532 (2006.01); C09K 8/74 (2006.01); E21B 43/26 (2006.01); E21B 43/28 (2006.01)
CPC C09K 8/532 (2013.01) [C09K 8/74 (2013.01); E21B 43/26 (2013.01); E21B 43/28 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for in situ lactic acid generation within a hydrocarbon well, comprising:
providing a solvent mixture comprising water, an elemental sulfur solvent fraction comprising at least one elemental sulfur solvent, and an odorant fraction comprising at least one odorant, the at least one odorant comprising a lactate ester solvent;
injecting the solvent mixture into a hydrocarbon well such that the elemental sulfur solvent fraction of the solvent mixture dissolves elemental sulfur deposited on well components; and
generating lactic acid within the hydrocarbon well by contacting the lactate ester solvent within the solvent mixture with at least one of the water within the solvent mixture or produced water flowing through the hydrocarbon well.