Abstract
Wax gelation and precipitation represent a major flow assurance challenge in oil and gas fields. Paraffin waxes start to gel and precipitate when the temperature falls below the wax appearance temperature. This leads to significant changes in the fluid rheology, creating challenges in terms of flowability. Besides, when waxes precipitate they accumulate in the flowlines and production equipment, leading to flow restrictions and blockages that result in interrupted production operations and field abandonment in the extreme cases. Wax deposition is explained by several mechanisms; among them, molecular diffusion is the most commonly used in the literature, wherein the deposition is attributed to the diffusion of high molecular weight wax molecules from the bulk solution towards the pipe wall. Wax deposition is principally affected by temperature, and is also affected by pressure, process hydrodynamics, and hydrocarbon composition. In this chapter, paraffin wax precipitation mechanisms and the factors affecting them are overviewed in light of recent advances.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Essentials of Flow Assurance Solids in Oil and Gas Operations
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
