Anyone in the oil extraction industry understands how paraffin wax and asphaltene build-up can have some serious crippling effects on the production of a well. The term paraffin is used to refer to waxy build-up of organic material. Most crude oils usually contain paraffin solution as one of the components. When this solution cools down, it crystalizes and clumps together. These clumped crystals then accumulate on production equipment, rendering downhole paraffin removal important.
Over 85 percent oils in the world are prone to deposits of crystalized paraffin. When left for longer periods without treatment, the crystals stop oil from flowing eventually by plugging flow lines totally. These plugging is not only restricted to flow lines, but also happen on tubing and pipes used in production and the well itself. The process often occurs slowly over long periods of time.
It is for this reason that prior to starting oil extraction processes, a strategy for handling the issue of wax accumulation should be developed in advance. Removal of the wax is comparatively easy even though it can be a stumbling block to production. Over time, there have been several inventions of ways of eliminating wax accumulation. Hot water utility, chemicals, hot oiling, coiled tubing, scraping, thermal treatment and mechanical ways are all examples of methods developed over time.
There are incidences where a number of strategies may be used together to eliminate the wax issue. Forecasting the solidification of wax, possible points of occurrence, and when total blockage will take place is now possible, thanks to technological advancements. Among the methods of predicting is the gas chromatography.
Before one selects a technique to use in getting rid of wax issues, it is often essential for them to examine the deposits to determine their nature. Although organic deposits in extraction of oil are mostly made of paraffin and wax, these components are not the only ones in the deposit. Paraffin and asphaltenes are often contained in the deposits. Apart from asphaltenes and paraffin, substances like clay, resins, sand, gums, salt crystals, and scale are also contained in the deposits.
That means that in case one decides to use chemicals to remove the deposit, the chemical chosen should be able to remove more than just paraffins. Most chemicals that are used in these operations today usually require to be used together with heat in order for them to be effective. Different chemicals require different amounts of heat.
The addition of heat into the operation usually requires additional expense in the form of additional equipment, labor, and energy consumption. These expenses can be reduced by using a chemical solvent that can work effectively at low temperatures. A variety of solvents have been invented that can be used at a low temperature while maintaining a high level of efficiency.
Last but not least, it is critical to consider safety. Chemical treatments often demand the use of caustic agents in most instances. These reagents can be hazardous to both the pieces of equipment being used as well as the laborers. Additionally, they are often harsh to human health and even the environment because they contain poisonous chemicals.
Over 85 percent oils in the world are prone to deposits of crystalized paraffin. When left for longer periods without treatment, the crystals stop oil from flowing eventually by plugging flow lines totally. These plugging is not only restricted to flow lines, but also happen on tubing and pipes used in production and the well itself. The process often occurs slowly over long periods of time.
It is for this reason that prior to starting oil extraction processes, a strategy for handling the issue of wax accumulation should be developed in advance. Removal of the wax is comparatively easy even though it can be a stumbling block to production. Over time, there have been several inventions of ways of eliminating wax accumulation. Hot water utility, chemicals, hot oiling, coiled tubing, scraping, thermal treatment and mechanical ways are all examples of methods developed over time.
There are incidences where a number of strategies may be used together to eliminate the wax issue. Forecasting the solidification of wax, possible points of occurrence, and when total blockage will take place is now possible, thanks to technological advancements. Among the methods of predicting is the gas chromatography.
Before one selects a technique to use in getting rid of wax issues, it is often essential for them to examine the deposits to determine their nature. Although organic deposits in extraction of oil are mostly made of paraffin and wax, these components are not the only ones in the deposit. Paraffin and asphaltenes are often contained in the deposits. Apart from asphaltenes and paraffin, substances like clay, resins, sand, gums, salt crystals, and scale are also contained in the deposits.
That means that in case one decides to use chemicals to remove the deposit, the chemical chosen should be able to remove more than just paraffins. Most chemicals that are used in these operations today usually require to be used together with heat in order for them to be effective. Different chemicals require different amounts of heat.
The addition of heat into the operation usually requires additional expense in the form of additional equipment, labor, and energy consumption. These expenses can be reduced by using a chemical solvent that can work effectively at low temperatures. A variety of solvents have been invented that can be used at a low temperature while maintaining a high level of efficiency.
Last but not least, it is critical to consider safety. Chemical treatments often demand the use of caustic agents in most instances. These reagents can be hazardous to both the pieces of equipment being used as well as the laborers. Additionally, they are often harsh to human health and even the environment because they contain poisonous chemicals.
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