A successful wax deposition evaluation and mitigation program in a deep-water environment in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

摘要

In recent years, the deposition of wax from crude oil in subsea pipelines has created diverse flow assurance production problems. Furthermore, operational expenses related to wax remediation for both downhole and sub-sea environments are significant and greatly impact the economics of any offshore production project. Wax deposition can reduce well productivity to a point at which the well becomes unprofitable due to the severity of plugging downhole equipment, flowlines and fouling of production handling facilities. Cross-functional design teams are dealing with this technical challenge by promoting research studies to determine deposition potential and to assess chemical prevention programs. This paper illustrates a successful evaluation and field mitigation program for wax deposition in a deep-water environment in the Gulf of Mexico. Both subsea and export pipeline treatments are discussed. In addition, oil characterization and a systematic evaluation of wax deposition inhibitors are presented.