An Evaluation of the Performance of Selected Wax Inhibitors on Paraffin Deposition of Nigerian Crude Oils

Paraffin deposition in oil production constitutes a critical and difficult to control problem, in terms of productivity and production operation costs, going from the reservoir to surface facilities. In Nigeria, operators spend millions of dollars each year to control the deposition of paraffin and to deal with other paraffin deposition related problems. Expenditures of this magnitude obviously have a significant impact on profits. The main purpose of this work is to assess the net effect of many commercial wax inhibitors on paraffin deposition from a wide range of waxy crude oil systems in Nigeria for the selection of an efficient additive. Deposition from a wide range of waxy crude oil systems from Nigerian oilfields were examined with and without chemical wax deposition inhibitors. The devices used to produce the deposits investigated were cold spot and dynamic flow wax deposition apparatus capable of producing field-like deposits with relatively small volumes of oil in minutes. Results show that most of the commercial wax inhibitors tested could decrease the deposition of wax, but none has the economical capability to solve the paraffin deposition problem for an extended period of time. One intriguing result was that the addition of xylene improved the performance of three wax inhibitors tested. It was also observed that there are subtle differences in inhibitor performance depending on deposition tendencies of crude oil.     

Evaluations of the effect of selected wax inhibitive chemicals on wax deposition in crude oil flow in sub-sea pipe-lines

Comparative studies were made on the effect of different wax inhibitive chemicals on the wax deposition volume during crude oils flow in pipeline. Two crude oils from Ovhor and Jisike oil fields in the southern part of Nigeria were used in the study. The four identified chemicals: Alkyl sulphonates (wax dispersant), polyethylene (wax inhibitors/crystal modifier), acrylate ester copolymer (pour point depressant, PPD) and xylene (wax solvents) inhibit wax deposition to varying degree of between 14.6–44.9% for crude oil A, and between 21.6–41.4% for crude oil B when 1500 ppm of each chemical was mixed with the crude oil sample. The optimal wax inhibition formulation of polyethylene, xylene, acrylate ester polymer and alkyl sulphonate contains 40.4, 19.2, 27.6, 12.8% and 36.3, 21.5, 25.8, 16.4% for crude oil A and B respectively. Applications of the optimal formulated mixtures of the above chemicals inhibit wax deposition by 58.9% and 62.4% for crude oil A and B respectively.     

Studies of Wax Deposition Onset in the Case of Indian Crude Oil

Abstract

Before taking any decision regarding strategies for prevention and remediation of wax deposition problems in the production tubing, pipeline, and process equipment, it is essential to identify the conditions of wax deposition and to predict wax deposition rates. In this article a study on the prediction of wax deposition, different factors affecting the deposition, and the practical applications of laboratory results obtained for characterization of the Indian crude oils have been presented. The waxy crude characterization study was performed on both stock tank crude oil and recombined integrated crude oil. The results of it exemplify the influence of composition, temperature, and pressure on the solid behavior of Indian paraffinic crudes.     

Influencing factors governing paraffin wax deposition of heavy oil and research on wellbore paraffin remover

Abstract

Wax deposition is harmful to oil wells, especially for waxy heavy oils at low temperature. The influencing factors on wax deposition of heavy oil were studied and a kind of O/W emulsion type wellbore wax remover was investigated. The results showed that the wax deposition rate of Jinghe heavy oil increased with the increasing wax content and asphaltenes content but decreased with the increasing water content. The oil in water emulsion type paraffin remover was prepared and it showed both good wax dissolution and paraffin prevention ability and can save large quantities of solvent. The results of this study provides a possible way for waxy heavy oils to dissolve wax, to prevent wax deposition and reduce the viscosity of heavy oils by emulsification together, which is helpful to reduce the frequency of hot washing and enhance oil recovery for waxy heavy oils.     

MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF WAX DEPOSITION IN CRUDE OIL PIPELINES (COMPARATIVE STUDY)

ABSTRACT

In this research, wax deposition in different crude oil pipeline systems was studied. In oil pipelines, the main mechanism for wax appearance is the temperature change along the pipeline. A computer program was developed to simulate the wax precipitation phenomena. Temperature profile along the pipeline was determined and solid liquid equilibrium constant, wax mole fraction and wax thickness along the pipeline were calculated. This computer program was applied to different crude oil pipeline systems in Iraq (Baiji-Daura, Rumaila-Zubair-Fao and Hadttha-Rumailia). In Haditha-Rumaila crude oil pipeline system, it was observed that wax thickness after a year is approximately 0.1 mm and temperature declined from 303 K to around 300.5 K. The wax mole fraction after a year is approximately 0.2. The solid-liquid equilibrium constant for the first component around 0.228 and around 165 for the second component after a year. Similar results were observed in other crude oil pipeline systems studied.     

模拟延长油田CO_2驱油过程原油结蜡特性研究

通过对某CO2驱油区块的不同CO2分压条件下原油结蜡倾向和原油结蜡特性评价,计算出原油的结蜡速率、结蜡率及蜡含量,分析了原油的析蜡曲线特性。结果表明,CO2分压增大时原油的结蜡速率和结蜡率提高,蜡含量降低,蜡析出更明显;经CO2处理作用后原油析蜡点向低温方向移动,其蜡含量也相应地比未处理油样的蜡含量降低。     

集输油管道中的结蜡与防蜡

文章阐述了集输油管道中的结蜡问题，分析了原油中蜡沉积物的基本组成、集输油管道结．蜡机理，总结了影响结蜡的因素，并概述了目前主要的防蜡技术。同时还介绍了防蜡剂的防蜡机理、类型以及油田集输油管道中常用的防蜡剂产品。     

长庆白豹油田固体防蜡技术研究

长庆白豹油田在油田的开发过程中存在着比较严重的结蜡问题,影响原油的正常生产。本文分析了白豹油田结蜡井的原油和蜡样:结蜡井原油中蜡含量高,在15%~20%,胶质和沥青质含量相对较小;蜡样碳数分布主要集中在C26~C39,以微晶蜡为主。应用原油动态结蜡率测试仪和流变仪两种方法测试了MH化学固体防蜡器的性能,它能降低高含蜡原油粘度>80%,降低原油凝点达11℃,防蜡率可达到75%以上。MH化学固体防蜡器在白豹油田现场试验15口油井。现场试验表明,化学固体防蜡器应用后,抽油机载荷明显低于加药前,且能有效地减少常规的清防蜡作业,延长检泵周期。     

宁东油田清蜡、防蜡技术分析

在原油开采过程中,随着温度、压力的降低和气体的析出,溶解的石蜡便以结晶体析出、逐渐长大聚集最终沉积在管壁等固相表面上,即出现所谓的结蜡现象.结蜡会堵塞产油层,降低油井产量,同时也会增大油井负荷,造成生产事故.油井结蜡是影响油井高产、稳产的主要因素之一,清蜡和防蜡是高含蜡油井常规管理的重要内容.通过收集整理现场资料、分析原油性质和综合评价不同清防蜡技术的经济效果,确定宁东油田采用热力清蜡和化学防蜡技术较为合适.     

热处理对添加防蜡剂长庆原油流动性及蜡沉积特性的影响研究

基于流变性测试和蜡沉积实验研究了热处理温度对添加EVA/PAMSQ复合防蜡剂的长庆原油的流动性和蜡沉积特性的影响。研究发现加剂原油依然具有热处理效果,50℃热处理条件下加剂原油的流动性改进效果较差,随着热处理温度升高至60、70和80℃,加剂原油的流动特性(如凝点、黏度、小振幅振荡剪切特性)显著改善。80℃热处理条件下,加剂原油的凝点已低于0℃,表明热处理与EVA/PAMSQ复合防蜡剂具有良好的协同效果。同时,随着热处理温度的升高,加剂原油的蜡沉积速率逐渐降低,但蜡沉积物的含蜡量逐渐升高,这可能不利于蜡沉积物的剥离。蜡沉积物呈现出非均质结构,表层蜡沉积物为凝油状,底层蜡沉积物具有比表层蜡沉积物更高的析蜡点和屈服强度。     

A comparative analysis of two methods of wax treatment for a waxy oil in Southwest Trinidad

When oil flows into the wellbore, pressure, and temperature decreases. This causes paraffin (wax) to precipitate into the oil and to deposit in production tubings, which negatively affect oil production. Wax deposition can be mitigated by the application of passive energy waves or chemical solvents. In this study, both methods of wax treatment were tested on a waxy oil well in Trinidad. Production outputs and economics showed that chemical solvent injection was the more feasible method. However, passive energy wave application enhanced oil properties, oil-water separation and showed notable success in preventing wax deposition.     

Study on paraffin wax degrading ability of Pseudomonas nitroreducens isolated from oil wells of Gujarat,India

Microbial remediation is an efficient method of removing paraffin wax from oil wells and pipelines and is found to be environment friendly and economical. In this study, a potential paraffin wax degrading bacterial strain was isolated from oil wells of Gujarat and was identified as Pseudomonas nitroreducens by 16S rRNA sequencing. Pseudomonas nitroreducens showed 100% utilization of heneicosane, 79.74% utilization of pentacosane and 72.50% utilization of triacontane, the major components of paraffin wax in 8 days at 37°C. Pseudomonas nitroreducens degraded 70% of paraffinic crude oil in 10 days at 37°C. The probable end products formed after degradation of eicosane and heneicosane by Pseudomonas nitroreducens were analysed by Mass Spectrum. The above results proving isolate as a potential candidate for degradation of paraffin wax in oil wells.     

Artificial Neural Network's Prediction of Wax Deposition Potential of Nigerian Crude Oil for Pipeline Safety

Abstract

Paraffin wax deposition from crude oil along pipeline is a global problem, making preventive methods preferred to removal methods. In this work, a neural network model based on mathematical modeling technique using regression analysis as the statistical tool was developed to predict the wax deposition potential of 11 reservoirs in Nigeria. Using the viscosity-pressure-temperature data obtained from these fields to supervise the model, the model accurately predicted the present real-life situation in each field. Conclusively, the model could be used to predict wax deposition potential of any reservoir that is yet to be explored provided the temperature used during prediction is close to the actual reservoir temperature.     

WAX DEPOSITION IN HORIZONTAL WELLS

ABSTRACT

In this research, wax deposition in horizontal well bores was studied. In a horizontal well, the main mechanism for wax appearance is the pressure change rather than the temperature change. Six different thermodynamic models were improved for horizontal wells by adding a pressure function, and a computer program was developed to simulate the precipitation phenomena in horizontal wells. Solid-liquid equilibrium constants for each pseudo-component were calculated. Critical pressures and overall solid mole fractions of the crude oil at different error ranges are determined. In addition to these, the changes in productivity index due to wax deposition for steady state and pseudo-steady state conditions were examined by the addition of a “wax factor”. It was observed that pressure change was slightly effective on wax appearance in horizontal wells.     

Wax deposition during production of waxy crude oil and its remediation

In the current paper, fundamental aspects of wax deposition problems in pipeline are defined, and characterization of paraffin and their solubility tendencies have been discussed. Wax deposition depends on flow rate, the temperature differential between crude and pipe surface, the cooling rate, and surface properties. The physico-chemical characterization of crude oil is determined. The experiments were carried out in “Cold Finger Apparatus.” Best pour point depressant for the selected crude oil has been found out as Lubrizol-6682 among different chemicals available that reduces the pour point from 36° to 12°. The deposition of paraffin wax, its dispersion, and inhibition were studied with available chemicals and by the optimization of suitable additives for particular well. Kinetics of crude oil in terms of time and differential temperature has also been studied and effective dispersion times are observed for particular oil. It is found that dispersion is effective within 30–60 min of starting. Kinetic study of oil with respect to differential temperature is done in two ways either by varying ambient/surface temperature or pumping/reservoir temperature. The tendencies of wax deposition on different sample with neat and treated crude are observed and ideal differential temperature for particular oil to flow is determined.     

The Effect of Tube Orientation and Pour Point Depressant on Paraffin Wax Deposition

Abstract

A flow loop was used to study wax deposition in the laboratory. Data are presented to demonstrate that the tube orientation and pour point depressants have significant effects on the paraffin wax deposition for oil from the Octh Louie, a Cretaceous formation in the Manderson Field, Wyoming. Changing the tube orientation from horizontal to vertical reduced the amount of wax deposited by 28% for a tube wall (T_wall) temperature of 42°F. The circulating oil temperature (T_bulk) was held constant at 76 ± 3°F. The amount of wax deposited was found to be a linear function of the driving force (T_bulk – T_wall) and the wax appearance temperature (WAT) was estimated by extrapolating this linear relationship to a point of zero wax deposition. The WAT thus obtained (94.5°F) varied considerably with the cloud point (62°F) obtained using the ASTM D2500 method. Change in viscosity with time has also been investigated. Addition of a specific pour point depressant (PPD) at a concentration of 5 mL/gallon reduced wax deposition by 52%; concentrations of 10 mL/gallon of oil reduced the wax by 61%. Changing the flow regime from laminar to turbulent also had a significant effect, reducing the wax deposition by up to 42%. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID) analyses and other relevant property data pertaining to the oil are also presented.     

Experimental study on the regulation of wax deposition

Abstract

Based on the theory of wax deposition dynamics, and the wax deposition rate model of a Tieling–Jinxi insulated crude oil pipeline was established for Daqing–Jilin mixed oil. Based on their physical properties, the sediments removed from the pipeline were mixed into the original oil sample at different proportions. The sediment volume measured by three physical methods in different seasons was compared. The results showed that the error between the value measured by the wax content method and the predicted value by the model was the smallest, which was -5% in winter and -3.9% in summer. Therefore, the wax content method can be used to estimate the sediment in the pipeline and determine the prediction accuracy of the model.     

Evaluation of the inhibitor selection on wax deposition for Malaysian crude oil

Wax precipitates from crude oil when a fluid is cooled down below its wax appearance temperature (WAT). This particularly happens during the transportation of crude oil in the pipeline system. In this study, chemical inhibitors were chosen to prevent and reduce wax formation using seven different types of inhibitors, which are poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA), poly (maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (MA), diethanolamine (DEA), cocamide diethanolamine (C–DEA), toluene, acetone, and cyclohexane. The total waxes deposited from the cold finger test are subjected to the type of inhibitor, rotation speed of impeller, and inhibitor concentration. EVA is suggested as the most effective inhibitor based on the amount of wax deposit weight and the value of viscosity. Therefore, this result might be useful for further research work related to wax deposition in the area of crude oil production.     

普适性结蜡模型研究

根据原油在管道内流动特性及析蜡规律,提出了有效析蜡量的计算方法.利用F检验法筛选了原油结蜡的主要影响因素,包括原油黏度、管壁处剪切应力、温度梯度及管壁处蜡晶溶解度系数.利用9种原油室内环道结蜡实验数据,按照逐步线性回归的方法,得到了含蜡原油的普适性结蜡模型.该模型不需进行结蜡模拟实验,只需根据原油的黏度、析蜡特性及密度等物性参数就可预测原油的结蜡规律.在未进行室内结蜡模拟实验的情况下,利用普适性结蜡模型预测了中宁-银川输油管道不同工况下沿线结蜡分布,并和现场运行参数进行了对比,平均误差为6.32%,最大误差为20%,预测结果为现场清管作业提供了依据.     

Wax Deposition in Flow Lines Under Dynamic Conditions

The wax deposition in the tubing, pipeline, and surface flow line is the major problem in the oil fields. It generates additional pressure drop and causes fauling and ultimately increases the operating cost during production, transportation, and handling of waxy crude oil. In this work, attempts were made to study the wax deposition in the flow lines due to Indian crude oil under dynamic condition. The experimental work was carried out for neat crude oil and pour point depressants treated crude oil at different ambient/surface temperature and pumping/reservoir temperature. It was observed that temperature has significant effect on the wax deposition of the crude oils. From these studies, ideal temperature of crude oil to pump in the pipeline or flow line was determined. The present investigations also furnishes that the selected pour point depressant in this work decreases the wax deposition significantly and may be used for controlling the wax deposition problems in case of Indian crude oil.