Testing of Environmental Friendly Paraffin Removal Products

Abstract

Abstract Paraffin can be deposited in any part of the flow conduit. It can affect the flow in the borehole near formation, the downhole pump, the tubing, surface flow lines, separators, storage tanks and pipe lines. The use of Xylene or chemical products of aromatic nature can affect other components of the well completion using elastomers such as packers and artificial lift components, potentially compromising well integrity. This justifies a growing demand for environmental friendly Technologies for the removal of paraffin in oil field operation by means of non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-flammable, biodegradable products. As opposed to acidic products the action of the environmental friendly products requires the help of mechanical forces. This paper describes appropriate test procedures and laboratory set up to test the efficiency of the products prior to their field use. This requires that the test conditions reproduces the well and facility system. The presented set up further enables the concentration optimization of the recipe. Paraffin and mother oil samples have been tested in the lab in order to determine its potential for use in the field. Environmental friendly paraffin removal products were selected that are non-toxic, non-flammable and non-carcinogenic. The elaborated set up and test procedure enables identification of the most effective product and to optimize its concentration. In the first phase of this evaluation Dispersants based on biodegradable Surfactants are tested. Further investigation on second phase will focus on Wax Cristal Modifiers such as Polymers. For both phases the multipurpose properties of the chemicals will be evaluated. The presented phase wise investigative approach supports a workflow that effectively encourages the participation of everybody in the organization in the introduction of new innovative ideas and Technologies thus contributing a continuous improvement mode and a shift to an innovations friendly organization.