Application of Microwave for Reservoir Heating and Preventing Wax Precipitation in Production Wells

摘要

The heating of porous media under microwave radiation, for wax removal purposes, was investigated experimentally. Brine injection rates of 1, 5, and 10 mL/min as well as incident powers of 15, 22, and 39 W were tested. The effect of dielectric property of brine on microwave heating was examined for brine salinities of 0, 0.2, and 1 wt%. A mathematical model was developed and tested against the experimental outcomes. The results of experiments indicated the possibility of wax removal from porous media via applying microwave energy.