Sunday, July 7, 2019

Wax And Asphaltene Removal Methods

By Joseph Johnson


One major problem of working in the oil sector is having to deal with recurring problems pertaining elimination of unwanted deposits. Paraffin will slowly start to build up in your systems contrary to what you may expect. It is not a question of if the buildup will occur, but when it will start to buildup. Data obtained from various sources indicate that eighty five percent of the oil available in the world today is susceptible to asphaltene buildup. As it continues to build up, it will start to make it more difficult for your people to drill the oil. If wax and asphaltene removal is not done early, there may be various inconveniences and thus the need to ensure deposit eliminations are done.

It is important for you to know techniques to use in case you are faced with such problems. Global statistics indicate that eighty-five percent of the oil being produced today is highly prevalent to the precipitation of deposits. A simple look at these statistics can easily send any person running away for the up hills. This is more, when allowed to continue building up, as they are likely to cripple the entire production process.

The transfer comprises of tubing, pipes, flow lines, and of course the oil that is under production. As mentioned, the buildup can become serious to a point where production no longer takes place due to a breakdown of the system used to recover the oil. The good news, however, is that you do not have to worry about the buildup as it can easily get removed.

All you need to do is learn the methods that are used in removing the unwanted deposits. Currently, there are various methods in existence which can help with this particular problem. You can use combination treatments, mechanical, chemical, scraping, coiled tubing, hot water, hot oiling, or thermal methods to get rid of your unwanted deposits. All these are valid methods which have already been tried and tested in various areas.

Paraffin wax is the general term used to refer to all deposits encountered when investigating any oil buildup. But the reality is that, paraffin is not the only deposit you will find. Silt crystals, gums, and clay are other deposits that are commonly found and require elimination.

Often, the heavy deposits you will encounter as you are extracting oil will is popularly known as paraffin wax. But the reality is that cleaning may not be as simple as you assume. As much as they are all categorized as wax for removal, you will also encounter a combination of salt crystals, clay, gums, and even resins which may call for different removal techniques.

A look at this blend explains why you cannot jump at the first chemical that you encounter. You need to determine which deposits are available, and then determine whether the chemical solution you have chosen can eliminate all of them. If not, consider looking at other available alternatives.

Safety is the final consideration when determining which chemical to use in eliminating the deposits. Some chemical treatments will require you to use caustic reagents. The reagents are effective, but they pose a danger to the equipment and to the safety of the personnel working on the system.




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