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.