FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does it work?

The magnetic field treatment polarises the impurities in the fluid. Normally, these impurities will precipitate once it passes out of the MFC and into the tubing/pipe (exit the fluids and stick to the tubing/pipe walls becoming scale or wax). Because the impurities ions are now parallel to the magnetic field line, these impurities cannot precipitate – no new scaling. The magnetic field increases the coagulating tendency of the suspension ions of the impurities in the fluid, by decreasing their double-layer repulsion. This ensures that the micro crystals stays in solution rather than allowing them to crystallize on the pipe walls. What also happen, the ions configuration will attract the scales on the walls to join the fluid (de-scaling effect). Although the effect is not permanent, test conducted shows that it will remain in this state for more than 100hours, dependent on the magnetic field strength. If there are pressure or temperature changes, it is likely, that new “deposits” will recur.  But these new deposits have weak molecular structure, weak bond, unable to form large clusters.  Physically, they will be softer and easily removed.  As the fast flowing fluids move upwards, the shearing erosion will peel these deposits off the wall of the tubings or piping.  Chance of recurrence will be even less after this.  The most recent case in Oman, NO re-occurrence is seen after 18 months.

How does the fluid flow through without restrictions?

The design of the tool provides for a 0-2 psi pressure increase without interrupting flow of the fluids. As the fluids float upwards, it is generally in bubble form not solid or liquid state, nor will it be full bore. However, the fluid will be expected to be fuller inside the annulus/rectangle stainless steel box inside the MFC. The rectangular tubing inside the MFC can be customised for larger volumes, as the picture shows.  NO CHOKING is expected at the MFC entry point or NO CHOKING has been experienced by any of our customers. NO PRESSURE increase or emergency shutdowns reported attributed to the MFC. This will be normalised, once it exits the MFC and into the tubing or pipe.

Is it really a non-moving mechanical tool?

This is the uniqueness of this MFC tool. Its a simple designed tool, stainless steel body and internal. The magnets used are specially chosen after years of R&D and trials. Yet there are not a single moving part that could be subject to wear and tear. Its a no-component mechanical tool that can jeopardise operations.

Where does the asphaltene/paraffin molecules go?

Asphaltene/Paraffin molecules remain in the production stream as a crude oil component molecule. After the MFC, these molecules is prevented to precipitate thus NO DEPOSITION to occur.  It is expected that crude assays remain the same throughout, unlike when chemical remediation is utilised.

How does it remove existing scale/hydrocarbon deposits?

A credible theory proposes that the magnetic field affects the crystallization process whereby microcrystals are formed. These microcrystals do not bond with other crystals to form clusters. The net result is a space gap between microcrystals in solution, thus drawing ions from the deposits back into solution. As the deposits dissolve, fluid movement erosion can also remove clusters.

Is it a replacement for other scale/paraffin treatments?

Yes, a properly applied Flo-Rite MFC tools can prohibit scale/depostion formation downhole, flowlines and in tankfarms, under the same condition.

Is it a corrosion treatment?

No. The tools becomes an enabler over time, to allow corrosion inhibitors to perform as designed. It is an enabler tool.

Do magnetic tools cure the whole problem?

No. MFCs can prohibit the formation of scale or hydrocarbon deposition and break crude oil emulsions; MFCs are a KEY component of a treatment or cleaning regiment employed by the customers to CURE their existing problems. Especially when Operators have blocked wells or under-performing wells. THE FLO-RITE MFC OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE FLOWING WELLS.

What is the life expectancy of the tool?

Flo-Rite MFC tools are durable equipment thus their long operating life. Annual or bi-annual maintenance is recommended, especially to check against flowcuts to mandrel or associated components, to monitor different well or fluid reaction. Easily more than 20 years.

What is the maintenance program? Does it harm downstream equipments?

MFC tools require little maintenance. General annual maintenance could be cost-in to Operators.  In fact, MFCs ARE USED to protect downstream key equipments ! Many field cases showed that pumps or filter strainers have longer lifecycle After MFC installation.  MFC are also installed to protect separator or desalter on the field, especially in isolated locations. This ASSET LIFECYCLE ENHANCEMENT is key to Operators opting for this mechanical technology.

Where should we place the tool and how many tools are needed?

Location is one of the key variables to a successful application. The MFC placed at the most upstream of problem, is the key variable to a successful application.  Engineering sufficient MFC operating strength is significant whether stacking the tools or placing them in key series locations. In producing wells, it is foreseen that mandrel-hung MFC be use, for quick installation, but this is pending field and fluid parameters. This generally takes half a day to install.  Best solution, is installation of the MFC tubing unit, as part of the tubing string downhole.  For onshore operations, there is the option of a rod pump units, below the pump downhole. Complementary to all downhole tools, is the MFC flowline units.  Engineering the MFC tools include – number of tools, size of tools and internals, location of tool.  The key is treating all the fluids. In an ESP environment, the MFC could be attached via crossover to the shroud below.

Is it the solution to my problem? Water and Oil ?

That’s highly possible. MFCs, properly applied and continuous operations, can prohibit the formation of scale or hydrocarbon deposits and break crude oil emulsions with other supplementary means; or, MFCs are a key component of a combination of treatment and cleaning regiments.  MFC is a cost effective, sustainable solution to any Operator wanting to remove scale/paraffin from their system. With the successes enjoyed in USA, many of Flo-Rite’s customers incorporate the MFC tool as part of the well completion package. Starts from Day 1.

Yes, the concept for water vis-a-vis scale and oil vis-a-vis deposits are the same.  The MFC targets the impurities in the fluids.  So long these impurities are polar, then polarisation can happen and MFC take effect.

What do you mean proven and patented? Why is it still unknown 

Over 7,000 MFC tools have been installed in America – Permian basin, Oklahoma, Colorado, Bakken, Louisiana. This is the 9th Generation tool and continuous R&D were undertaken by the Principal the last 15-20 years. The earlier tools. under a different company with inferior specifications, were equally successful in Venezuela and Brunei. This tool have been used since 25 years ago. In 2008, the owner begun patenting the tool design globally. This barrier is important to safeguard our copyright design and claims to Operators. The market in Permian Basin is so big, that the Principal have not reached 20% coverage to date. As a result their focus was mainly in USA and their 100% repeat-customers. AOL and other agents are entrusted to open the international market outside America and Canada.

The latest is the successful field trial in Oman, where Inconel 625: 2 x 2-3/8″ OD MFC were used as hydrogen sulphide is extremely high.  Field had very severe asphaltenes issues where stoppages were frequent – once every  7 weeks.  As March 2019, the well is running continuously without stoppages for over 27 weeks !! Truly  a game changing tool. Supplied the tools for the 12th well in Oman.  Trial will be on-going for other clusters in Oman.

When we say, all microcrystal/particles are in-solution, surely they will react or be released once they are boiled or heated further downstream?

Not necessarily. The fluid reaction will be the same as how untreated crude behaves. Only this time, it does not form sludging at the tankfarms. Our client in the USA pipes the crude via a listed company, All American Plains Inc, all the way to refineries in Austin, Houston and Beaumont (over 600-miles). There have been no complaints on the crude at these refineries the past 15 years.

Can I buy a Flo-Rite MFC tool?

Yes but the company also offer a lease mode for the tools on a long-term contract. This is aimed to reduce customer CAPEX but simultaneously produced the results needed for efficient operations. We intend to demonstrate to the customers its effect and it is our philosophy to work towards a long-term relationship with Operators. But we will listen to the customers proposition.

How big are the tools? Installation?

Standard tubing sizes are 48 inches long. These are 20-25kgs each. Downhole tools are standard pipe sizes (flanged) x 48 inches long. In all cases, Flo-Rite can provide customized tools. Installation is extremely easy. Any contractor should be able to put in place within few hours.

Installing MFC using Lock Mandrel is possible – either a 2″ or 2-3/8” MFC used. This is the quickest way to get the MFC into action. Tubing unit is best, the 3-1/2” MFC but can only be installed during workovers.

What is the Magnet strength?

Flo-Rite’s current designs can apply a continuous magnetic field to the flowing fluid in the range of 3,500 to 6,000 gauss. However, design of the magnets is highly correlated to the problem in-situ, there has been cases where 10,000 gauss magnets used.

In contrast, electromagnetic conditioners (EFC) seldom exceed 1500 gauss due to electricity consumption, thus poorer results.

We tried them in the past but they didn’t work…

Clearly it was not a Flo-RIte MFC.  Our MFC have significantly advanced the design and application of magnetic fluid conditioners in the past twenty years and have 100% success rate, so far….

One of the biggest problem we have is convincing Operators, after they had acquired copycats or shoddy products that claims to be magnetic or even non-magnetic claim to cure scaling problems.  The competition’s more dated technologies produced random results and at most times no result. Most of their technology design are also severely flawed. Cheaper materials used by competitors, cannot produce the same results as Flo-Rite MFC tool has shown. This create lots of uncertainty to many potential customers who could benefit from our tools.   The low price will attract buyers, but the tool cannot sustain its performance. In the long-run, it gives the tool and magnetic principle tool a bad reputation. Flo-Rite is proud to say that they have 100% success rate in all their installation.

Do magnetic tools replace all chemical costs?

In many instances this can be true but not necessarily so. A customer in West Texas, USA has 250 tools in service and applies zero chemicals for the control of emulsions, paraffin and scale. Nonetheless, some locations require periodic physical and/or chemical treatments to supplement the effectiveness of the MFC’s. Best that the MFC co-exist with chemical treatment to enhance efficiency of production. In either case, Flo-Rite tools save the customer time and money. In Canada, from 160 gallons per week, they are now down to 10 gallons per month.  That 10 gallons is just “insurance” coverage.

Do magnetic tools cause corrosion linked to carbon steel?

In all cases, Flo-Rite Stainless Steel 304 tool are screwed to carbon steel tubings. There have NOT been ANY cases reported yet since the year 2000 raised by the customers, regarding well interruption due to corrosion caused by this galvanic corrosion. Typically the magnetic tools stay downhole for a minimum of 15 months and the longest has been down for 36 months continuously. The theory is that the ferrous molecules are unable to attach themselves to the oxygen molecules effectively, to form credible rust.

How do you guarantee performance of tools?

In the USA, the Principal takes a great measure of pride in the success of its products. Thus, will take back any product that does not perform. Once we have the field data and parameters, we will provide an optimum tool(s) configuration. The Sale/Lease Contract that follows, allow for a trial period for monitoring. Once target met, the Lease Contract becomes effective. Our objective is a long-term arrangement with customers. The principal mean of assessing the performance of the MFC is to compare pipeline, system, flow performance before and after fitting – in particular the filter life and cleanliness of the pipe internals.

Flo-Rite gives the manufacturers warranty and performance guarantee to the Operators.

What is the MFC maximum working temperature? What are its limitations? Can it be installed within the refinery process system?

The designers recommend placing the MFCs downhole and flowlines units on the platform. The design of these MFCs is up to 10,000 psi and have worked in 140ºC temperature. The minimum flow required is 2 gallons/minutes or 68 barrels/day. The fluid MUST be able to flow and through the MFC. Super low API crude may not be suitable for the MFC.  For a 1.66″ rod pump MFC, the upper limit in flowrate is 1000 barrels/day.  The 2-3/8″ MFC @ 117 psi,  could take 1,300 barrels/day. With some tolerances for little more in all cases.  In a refinery configuration, we recommend installation in the OSBL due to temperature constraint.  A proposal mooted is before the de-salter units.  Ideally, it’s at the incoming crude tank pipings as well as the product tanks piping downstream.

Can MFC be used to kill bacteria (MBG) in the fluids, which can affect crude composition and create acidic compounds that is corrosive?

No. We do not kill any bacteria at all. What we do is remove the solids that may be giving the bacteria a place to live and grow, such as behind scale or paraffin buildup. That can actually save you money on chemical costs, as with the buildup removed you may be able to use less biocides and corrosion protection chemicals because all of the treatment now reaches the clean pipe.

Think of MBG Film like an ants nest that’s scattered over a field. The ants will build another nest eventually, but not for a long time. With an MFC present, this dispersion is repeated in a recirculating system, thus making it difficult for MBG to flourish or scale/paraffin build-up.

Will the MFC tool affect other instrumentation?                                                                                              

No. Unless the instruments are placed directly on the MFC.  In most cases, the location where the MFC are placed are void of sensitive equipments.

Are there any SPE papers on the MFC tool?.                                                                              

Yes there are papers on the concept of the magnetic technology application from PDO Oman.

Same time, there are many publications on magnetic but disclaimer is that, none are using the Flo-Rite magnetic tools.  We are aware that the Flo-Rite MFC are more powerful than the ones used in the test, and would inevitably give better results.