Analysis of the Influence of Wax Precipitation and Paraffin Control Technology on Environmental Protection

Abstract

With the rapid development of deepwater petroleum engineering, the waxing characteristics of waxy crude oil have attracted more and more attention. In order to obtain a more accurate wax precipitation point of waxy crude oil, the test methods of wax precipitation point are summarized and compared. The test methods are classified into conventional and unconventional methods. In terms of test conditions and applicability to gas-bearing crude oil, three conventional methods (microscopic observation method, rheometer method, and differential scanning calorimetry method) were compared. It is pointed out that the test conditions should be formulated according to the actual working conditions when the wax precipitation point is determined, and the test method should be selected according to the wax crystal type and wax content. Wax deposition will block the pipeline, thus reducing the transmission efficiency of the pipeline; the residual paraffin deposit in the scrapped pipeline will penetrate into the earth and pollute the environment. Before the pipeline is scrapped, wax removal measures should be taken to remove the paraffin deposit inside, so as to protect the environment. Therefore, the research on paraffin removal and prevention of crude oil is of great significance to the normal production and environmental protection of oil wells.