Monday, August 12, 2019

Wax And Asphaltene Removal Processes

By Joseph Johnson


If you have ever worked in an oil production industry, then chances are that you are used to elimination of various residual products. Paraffin deposits tend to build up over time, and if left unchecked can pose a serious problem for the entire system. In some cases, the problem may become too serious necessitating a halting of services until the wax and asphaltene removal is done.

It is important for you to know techniques to use in case you are faced with such problems. Global statistics indicate that eighty-five percent of the oil being produced today is highly prevalent to the precipitation of deposits. A simple look at these statistics can easily send any person running away for the up hills. This is more, when allowed to continue building up, as they are likely to cripple the entire production process.

Available elimination methods are not very hard to master. They do, however, require some patience, intellect, and a willingness to reconsider a method that you had earlier settled on for use. Some of the methods you can consider include using coiled tubing, mechanical, hot oiling, hot water, and chemical treatments. You could also opt to use a combination of different methods if you notice that one is not working for you.

Many industries choose to use the chemical method. Its popularity lies in the fact that there are very many chemical solutions to consider. But as much as this method is easy and efficient, it also requires you to take look at all the deposits that are present. Many chemicals can only get rid of paraffin. This is a problem considering that there are chances of getting back to the accumulated state.

The chemical method is the most popular method used to get rid of various deposits. But before you can choose a chemical to use in this process, you will first need to take a closer look at the kind of deposits you are dealing with in your production process. Past studies have shown that oil wells suffering from paraffin deposits are usually in many cases suffering from an additional fouling problem.

Often, the heavy deposits you will encounter as you are extracting oil will is popularly known as paraffin wax. But the reality is that cleaning may not be as simple as you assume. As much as they are all categorized as wax for removal, you will also encounter a combination of salt crystals, clay, gums, and even resins which may call for different removal techniques.

A look at this blend explains why you cannot jump at the first chemical that you encounter. You need to determine which deposits are available, and then determine whether the chemical solution you have chosen can eliminate all of them. If not, consider looking at other available alternatives.

Ensure that you also consider the safety of the people who will deal with the elimination of such deposits. Some chemicals will require you to apply a caustic reagent. Such a solution should be avoided as the reagent can pose a health hazard to your personnel as well as to the oil drilling equipment that they are trying to clean.




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