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.
In other instances, methods can be combined and used in dealing with the issue in a more effective manner. Technological advancements have made prediction of the occurrence of wax crystallization to points of completely stopping oil flow possible. Among the methods used in predicting this is gas chromatography.
Before choosing a method to use to get rid of a wax problem, it is usually important to study the deposit to determine its nature. Whereas most organic deposits in oil extraction operations are made of wax or paraffins, these are not the only components in the deposits. Deposits usually contain a combination of asphaltenes and paraffins. Besides paraffins and asphaltenes, other components found in the deposits include scale, salt crystals, gums, silt, sand, resins, and clay.
The chemical one decides to settle for must be able to get rid of more than paraffins alone. A number of chemicals presently used in the process require to be used in conjunction with heat for them to act efficiently. The amount of heat needed depends on the chemical that is being used.
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.
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.
In other instances, methods can be combined and used in dealing with the issue in a more effective manner. Technological advancements have made prediction of the occurrence of wax crystallization to points of completely stopping oil flow possible. Among the methods used in predicting this is gas chromatography.
Before choosing a method to use to get rid of a wax problem, it is usually important to study the deposit to determine its nature. Whereas most organic deposits in oil extraction operations are made of wax or paraffins, these are not the only components in the deposits. Deposits usually contain a combination of asphaltenes and paraffins. Besides paraffins and asphaltenes, other components found in the deposits include scale, salt crystals, gums, silt, sand, resins, and clay.
The chemical one decides to settle for must be able to get rid of more than paraffins alone. A number of chemicals presently used in the process require to be used in conjunction with heat for them to act efficiently. The amount of heat needed depends on the chemical that is being used.
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.
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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