The crippling results asphaltene and paraffin wax accumulation can have on the production of a well is well understood by anyone in the oil extraction sector. The accumulation of organic deposits is usually termed as paraffin. It is one of the elements found in most crude oils. This solution sticks together and solidifies upon cooling down. These crystals accumulate on the production equipment making them unable to function. At this point, downhole paraffin removal must be done.
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.
As such, before any oil extraction process begins, plans must be made on how to deal with the problem of wax build-up. Even though the problem can be a real bottleneck to production operations, removal of the wax buildup is relatively easy. A wide range of methods for removing wax build-up have been invented over the years. Some of them include using hot water, hot oiling, chemicals, coiled tubing, mechanical methods, scraping, and thermal treatment.
In some cases, a combination of methods may be used to deal with the problem more effectively. Advancements in technology have made it possible to predict when the crystallization of wax will happen to a point that oil flow will be stopped completely. Gas chromatograph is one of the methods used in the prediction.
It is critical to research and establish the nature of the deposits prior to settling for a removal method. Wax or paraffins are not the sole components found in the deposits, even though they account for the biggest part of the organic deposits. They often contain asphaltenes and paraffins combined. Other components like salt crystals, sand, gums, resins, scale and clay also exist in the deposits apart from asphaltenes and paraffins.
This means that supposing one chooses to use chemicals in removing the deposits, the selected chemical should be capable of removing more than paraffin alone. Nowadays, many chemicals that are used in the process often need to be used alongside heat for them to work properly. The amount of heat required is determined by the kind of chemical in use.
Additional expenses in form of energy consumption, labor and additional equipment are required when heat is added in the process. When chemical solvents that are able to work under low temperatures are used, then it is possible to reduce the expenses. High efficiency levels can be achieved with the use of the various low-temperature solvents that have been developed over the years.
Lastly, safety is a very important consideration. In most cases, chemical treatments usually require the use of caustic reagents. These reagents are usually very harsh and can be hazardous to both the equipment in use and the workers. The toxic chemicals contained in the chemical treatments pose risk to both the environment and human health.
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.
As such, before any oil extraction process begins, plans must be made on how to deal with the problem of wax build-up. Even though the problem can be a real bottleneck to production operations, removal of the wax buildup is relatively easy. A wide range of methods for removing wax build-up have been invented over the years. Some of them include using hot water, hot oiling, chemicals, coiled tubing, mechanical methods, scraping, and thermal treatment.
In some cases, a combination of methods may be used to deal with the problem more effectively. Advancements in technology have made it possible to predict when the crystallization of wax will happen to a point that oil flow will be stopped completely. Gas chromatograph is one of the methods used in the prediction.
It is critical to research and establish the nature of the deposits prior to settling for a removal method. Wax or paraffins are not the sole components found in the deposits, even though they account for the biggest part of the organic deposits. They often contain asphaltenes and paraffins combined. Other components like salt crystals, sand, gums, resins, scale and clay also exist in the deposits apart from asphaltenes and paraffins.
This means that supposing one chooses to use chemicals in removing the deposits, the selected chemical should be capable of removing more than paraffin alone. Nowadays, many chemicals that are used in the process often need to be used alongside heat for them to work properly. The amount of heat required is determined by the kind of chemical in use.
Additional expenses in form of energy consumption, labor and additional equipment are required when heat is added in the process. When chemical solvents that are able to work under low temperatures are used, then it is possible to reduce the expenses. High efficiency levels can be achieved with the use of the various low-temperature solvents that have been developed over the years.
Lastly, safety is a very important consideration. In most cases, chemical treatments usually require the use of caustic reagents. These reagents are usually very harsh and can be hazardous to both the equipment in use and the workers. The toxic chemicals contained in the chemical treatments pose risk to both the environment and human health.
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