Designing of a washing composition model to conduct the hot flushing wells producing paraffin crude oil

Abstract

The article discusses the problems of asphaltene, resin and paraffin deposition and paraffin control methods in an oil production well. This is a critical issue in the oil and gas industry, especially in the oilfields of the Ural-Volga region (Russia). This work aimed at the development of a basic model of a detergent for hot flushing in oil wells. Traditionally in oilfield practice, well cleanouts are followed by discharge of used flush fluid into production fluid gathering and transportation system. This is a counterproductive and unsustainable practice involving costly chemical agents that retain all their useful properties after use. The authors have developed a water-based detergent model for hot flushing at a target facility. Its process efficiency was evaluated against the use of hydrocarbon solvents. Proposed is the developed solvent technology that will allow to increase its effective use and to reduce costs due to its re-use. The technology's novelty consists in the waste reduction during well cleanout and the increase of process efficiency of measures based on several flushing operations. The theoretical studies have highlighted the possibility of repeated use of the developed detergent, which will considerably reduce the subsoil users' costs.