Study of the influence of dosing conditions of wax inhibitors on its efficiency using numerical simulation

Abstract

Wax deposition is one of the most common complications in oil production. The most promising method of preventing wax depositing is dosing of wax inhibitors. Based on the results of studies at the Cold Finger installation, it was found that dosing an inhibitor at a temperature below wax appearance temperature reduces the efficiency of the inhibitors. Based on large scale, numerical simulation was found that dosing by “drop” injection through the impulse tube leads to the accumulation of the inhibitor in the near-wall zone and low distribution over the cross section of the tubing. When dosing with a nozzle, the degree of distribution of the inhibitor increases and reaches the highest value at a nozzle diameter of 0.5 mm and a length 1.5 cm. The influence of flow rate on the degree of inhibitor distribution was also evaluated. It was found that with an increase in the flow rate to 45 m3/day, the distribution of inhibitor improves and reaches the highest value, after which it does not change. The results of the work performed will make it possible to scientifically substantiate the choice of the inhibitor dosing site in order to achieve the greatest efficiency and reduce the cost of servicing oil wells.