Considerations and Lessons Learned on Development of Gas-Lift Paraffin Inhibitors for Subsea Wells in the Gulf of Mexico

摘要

This paper details the laboratory evaluation and product development for a uniquely applied gas-lift paraffin inhibitor. Several crude oils, specific to one particular Gulf of Mexico subsea network, were characterized with respect to cloud point, pour point and paraffin content. This information was used to determine suitable wax inhibitors to test for application into the production fluids offshore. Cold finger wax deposition tests were performed to evaluate eight different inhibitor chemistries.rnDetails are given on the test methodologies used, with particular focus on the specific evaluation to determine gas-lift suitability. Volatile flash analysis was performed by a third party laboratory, coupled with a unique dynamic gas-lift test method, to find a suitable candidate. Of the products tested, two new and specific formulations were developed for gas-lift applications that displayed low weight loss and very little increase in viscosity.rnThere is very little documented in open literature on the formulations and test methodologies employed to evaluate paraffin inhibitors for gas-lift application. This paper describes the most important treatment parameters and details on how gas-lift application was performed. This includes some significant learning lessons on the design and implementation of gas-lift paraffin inhibitors, as well as conclusions regarding the most appropriate deployment parameters to avoid gunking and clogging of injection systems. It also details the specific chemistries that can and should be used for this type of application.