Technology to Remove Asphaltene, Resin and Paraffin Deposits in Wells Using Organic Solvents

Abstract

Abstract At the moment, most of the oil fields of the Russian Federation are in their late stage of development. This stage is accompanied by a number of complications for oil, including those associated with the formation of asphaltene, resin and paraffin deposits (ARPD) in downhole equipment. These deposits significantly affect the geological, physical and technological conditions of the oil fields development. They reduce the flow rate of the wells, increase water cut production and produce organic depositions, such as the ARPD There are two methods to struggle with the ARPD in oil production: 1- remove the formed deposits and prophylaxis (prevention) by applying thermal and chemical methods. 2- prevent the formation of the ARPD – by using the inhibitors of these deposits (dispersants, depressant, wetting agents and modifiers). One of the most effective and advanced methods for the removal of the ARPD in the wells is the use of hydrocarbon solvents, the selection of which is usually done experimentally. For selecting an effective solvent in order to remove the paraffin, the composition and type of ARPD are needed to be known. The samples are selected from the oil field of the Orenburg region and ARPD analysis of the samples was conducted. The method of analysis is based on the different solubility of the components in the sediments of certain solvents. Determining the composition of the ARPD has done with the residual oil method by Marcusson. In th result of our experiments we recognized that the type of deposites are the Paraffin. To operate the process of the dissolution and removal of paraffin deposits, we find out that it is better to make a solvent with the composition of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, with the addition of surfactants. With adding a nonionic surfactant to the solvent can be improved the detergency and dispersancy of the solvent. The results of our experiments showed that with using the created solvent with the composition of aromatic, aliphatic hydrocarbons and surfactants, it is possible to remove the orgnic deposits specially paraffin effectively.