Abstract
Factors that influence paraffin deposition were investigated in laboratory experiments. An apparatus was built that measures the pressure and flow rate changes caused by paraffin deposition from crude oil in one-half inch diameter steel pipe. Experiments were done with and without commercial paraffin prevention chemicals to determine the effectiveness of the chemicals. Several additives altered the flow properties of the waxy crude oil and thus prevented paraffin deposition at cold temperatures. The chemicals investigated include polyethylene, ethylene copolymers, xylene, naphthylene as well as various surfactants sold for paraffin prevention. Temperature is the most important factor in paraffin deposition, but since crude oils with high wax contents are viscoelastic, the flow rate and pressure also are important. As the flow rate decreases, high wax crude oils become more viscous. (15 refs.)
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