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Asphaltene And Paraffin Solution; A Deeper Understanding Of The Problem In Oil And Gas Wells

By Jeffrey Myers


It is not unusual for asphaltenes and paraffins to be talked about as one big topic. Even so, you need to know that these two distinct elements differ immensely when it comes to their composition, their behavior and also the conditions that often cause deposition. In order to find a lasting asphaltene and paraffin solution both elements should be looked at distinctively.

The cost of treating chemical solutions is not easy on the wallet, though it is significantly economically attractive as compared to the cost of leaving paraffin and asphaltene problems unaddressed. These issues can negatively impact the lease and well profitability and cause a myriad of operational concerns. Apart from decreased production, they can also damage formations and cause gas and oil well companies immeasurable losses.

To understand the problem at hand, you need to first get well acquainted with its nature and its triggers. Paraffins contain various molecular weight alkane and waterlogged hydrocarbons present in crude oil. Whether a paraffin structure is in its usual form or it is branched, it can be C100 in size or greater. Normal paraffins are seen to have a higher melting point when compared to their branched equals of similar size.

Longer structures have more carbon and this gives them molecules that are larger in size and a higher melting point. In return, they are the first to emerge from a solution. The deposits of paraffin at the bottom will have higher molecular weight and for an issue to be addressed, the deposits must first be carefully analyzed.

Deposition can be caused by all manner of issues including temperature-pressure fluctuations. Additionally, a disturbance along the equilibrium can cause a concern. Skilled experts must complete field tests in order to find out whether a certain deposit contains paraffins. Then again asphaltenes contain more complex structures that have O, N, S, have more molecular weight and more heavy metals.

Asphaltenes create the color of crude oil and you will find greater levels of this content in black-oil crudes. Because asphaltene is a polar molecule, it absorbs to formation surfaces and this in return increases water flow. Paraffins are soluble in crude, although asphaltenes are not and in fact, they are a colloidal dispersion. They will therefore not be seen in a grind out by centrifuge.

Paraffin deposits thaw out and asphaltene deposits turn into a coke-like substance. Either concern has the power to cripple operations in oil and gas well companies. Among the serious concerns that can arise include increased costs of energy, equipment jams and restricted flow. Each problem is usually very unique, depending on the region you are situated in. In short, even fluids from a specific formation can have different concerns and this means you need personalized solutions for your particular problem.

The ideal professionals will look at your problem uniquely before deciding on the best way forward. You can get help if you have a looming problem and through preventative measures, the formation of buildups can be prevented. You can also get help addressing an existing concern and this will boost your production levels, enhance equipment and tubular longevity and also cut down the costs of remediation measures.




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