Product Bulletin

SAFE-BREAKE SAFE-BREAK CBF emulsion preventer is a specialty solvent/surfactant

blend that acts to prevent the formation of a stable emulsion between
CBFE clear-brine completion fluids and reservoir crude oil. SAFE-BREAK CBF
is formulated to penetrate the formation with minimal adsorption and
to provide the intended benefit to the leading edge of invading fluid.
SAFE-BREAK CBF is soluble in all standard non-zinc bromide- or non-
formate-base completion fluids. It will not “gunk out” of solution at
typical bottom-hole temperatures. This combination of properties
makes SAFE-BREAK CBF effective at the lowest possible concentra-
tion and maximizes the possibility for full reclamation of the
completion fluid.

Physical appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . Clear, pale yellow-to-amber liquid

TYPICAL PHYSICAL Odor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alcohol
PROPERTIES Specific gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.89
pH (10 vol. % in water) . . . . . . . . . . 4
Flash point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70°F (21°C) (PMCC)

The typical application of SAFE-BREAK and brine phases separate, the condi-
APPLICATIONS CBF ranges from 0.1 to 1.0% by vol- tion of the oil-water interface, observ-
ume in a filtered completion fluid ing the crude oil-brine mixture for
(4 to 40 gal/100 bbl). the presence or formation of a sludge
If possible, compatibility between and wettability of the brine phase.1
the specific crude oil and completion The benefits of SAFE-BREAK CBF
fluid should be established through can sometimes be enhanced by the
laboratory pilot testing prior to apply- addition of a small amount of mutual
ing the product in the field. During a solvent such as Ethylene Glycol
pilot test, the optimum concentration MonoButyl Ether (EGMBE), however,
of SAFE-BREAK CBF is determined by the effect of mutual solvent should be
considering the rate at which the oil considered with respect to reclama-
tion of the completion fluid. In most
Figure 1 circumstances, addition of EGMBE
SAFE-BREAK non-emulsifier prevents formation
of crude oil-completion brine emulsion. over about 0.5% by volume will
reduce the ability to reclaim the com-
pletion fluid and will usually increase
the cost of reclamation. If the oppor-
tunity to pilot test SAFE-BREAK CBF
does not exist, it should be applied at
0.5% by volume. In all applications,
fluid returns should be monitored
and the dosage adjusted accordingly.
1
See SPE 39444 for details on
laboratory procedures.
 • Soluble in most completion fluids • Prevents formation damage due to
ADVANTAGES and water-base systems. crude oil emulsions.
• Effective at low concentrations.

• Flammable liquid.
LIMITATIONS • Not soluble in zinc bromide- or
formate-containing completion
fluids.

Handle as an industrial chemical, Keep away from heat, sparks,

TOXICITY wearing protective equipment and flame and all sources of ignition.
AND HANDLING observing the precautions as WARNING! Flammable liquid and
described on the Material Safety vapor. Contains alcohol; avoid inhala-
Data Sheet (MSDS). tion of vapors. Use with adequate ven-
SAFE-BREAK CBF contains isopropyl tilation. Material is an irritant.
alcohol, a flammable liquid.

SAFE-BREAK CBF is packaged in 55-gal WARNING! SAFE-BREAK CBF is flam-

PACKAGING (208.2-L) drums. SAFE-BREAK CBF mable. Keep away from heat, sparks,
AND STORAGE must be stored in closed containers. flame and all sources of ignition.
Use only with adequate ventilation.

This information is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I L.L.C. makes no guar-
antees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy and use of
this data. All product warranties and guarantees shall be governed by the Standard Terms
of Sale.

No claim of personal safety is intended nor implied by the use of the name SAFE in this
product. Personnel handling this material should read and follow all safety and handling
procedures set forth on the Material Safety Data Sheet.
P.O. Box 721110
Houston, Texas 77272-1110
Tel: 281·561·1300
Fax: 281·561·7240
©1999 M-I L.L.C. All rights reserved.
™ SAFE-BREAK is a trademark of M-I L.L.C. http://www.midf.com
MIC-11903 1M 4/99 Litho in U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected]