Paraffin Deposition From Crude Oils: Comparison of Laboratory Results With Field Data

Abstract

Summary In this study, we evaluate the characteristics of four reservoir fluids sampled from two offshore fields in the Gulf of Mexico as well as their propensities towards paraffins deposition due to temperature and/or pressure variations. State-of-the-art techniques, namely a cross polarized microscopy and a laser based solids detection system, have been used to measure the onsets of paraffin crystallization temperatures, also known as wax appearance temperatures (WAT) and/or cloud points. The results are presented, discussed and compared to reported field data. Explanations for the observed differences and/or similarities between laboratory and field WAT are proposed.