Dynamic Wax Deposition Modeling Flow Assurance Dynamic Wax Deposition Modeling

Wax Deposition Wax is a solid deposit of long-chain paraffinic components (CnH2n+2, n > 20) originally dissolved in crude oils. Wax deposition occurs when temperature in production string drops below wax appearance temperature. Wax deposition can hinder fluid flow in production string.

Dynamic Wax Deposition Model

Progress to date Dynamic wax deposition model was developed to predict wax deposition and growth in production string under dynamic flow conditions Flow-loop experiments were performed to simulate wax deposition in production string under different production scenarios Model predictions match data from flow-loop experiments well

Flow Loop Setup Flow Loop Test Section Pump Controller Reservoir Chiller Pump Flow Meter Pressure Transducer Flow Loop Test Section Pump Controller

Wax Composition of Model Oil Flow Loop Experiments Wax Composition of Model Oil (0.67wt% food grade wax dissolved in 3:1 ratio of Blandol white mineral oil and kerosene, WAT=26°C)

Effect of Wall Temperature on Deposition Thickness Model Predictions Vs. Flow Loop Data r: inner radius of flow loop available for oil flow R: inner radius of flow loop

Effect of Flow Rate on Deposition Thickness Model Predictions Vs Effect of Flow Rate on Deposition Thickness Model Predictions Vs. Flow Loop Data r: inner radius of flow loop available for oil flow R: inner radius of flow loop

Future Work Perform flow-loop experiments using Alaskan crudes Modify dynamic wax deposition model for Alaskan crudes Verify dynamic wax deposition model for other crudes