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.
An excess of 85 percent of the oil wells are affected by solidified paraffin deposits. They eventually stop the oil flow by totally clogging the tubing and flow lines if they are neglected for a long time without being treated. Clogging additionally extends to the well itself as well as pipes apart from the flow lines and tubing. This happens slowly but becomes imminent after a long 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
An excess of 85 percent of the oil wells are affected by solidified paraffin deposits. They eventually stop the oil flow by totally clogging the tubing and flow lines if they are neglected for a long time without being treated. Clogging additionally extends to the well itself as well as pipes apart from the flow lines and tubing. This happens slowly but becomes imminent after a long 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 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.
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.
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.
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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