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.
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.
Additional costs will be incurred in the form of additional labor, equipment and energy to be used. Using a chemical solvent that can work with efficiency under low temperatures can help reduce the expenses. Inventions have given rise to a number of solvents that can be put to use under low temperature without compromising their levels of effectiveness.
Finally, it is vital for one to consider their safety as well as that of the environment. Mostly, caustic reagents are the ones that are used in chemical treatments. The reagents are often hazardous and very harsh to both the workers and the equipment used. Both human health and the environment are at risk from the toxic chemicals that are contained in caustic chemical treatments.
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.
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.
Additional costs will be incurred in the form of additional labor, equipment and energy to be used. Using a chemical solvent that can work with efficiency under low temperatures can help reduce the expenses. Inventions have given rise to a number of solvents that can be put to use under low temperature without compromising their levels of effectiveness.
Finally, it is vital for one to consider their safety as well as that of the environment. Mostly, caustic reagents are the ones that are used in chemical treatments. The reagents are often hazardous and very harsh to both the workers and the equipment used. Both human health and the environment are at risk from the toxic chemicals that are contained in caustic chemical treatments.
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