A Potential Approach for Paraffin Control for Wells in South West Trinidad Oilfields Using Wax Inhibitors and Paraffin Solvent

Abstract

Paraffin deposition in production tubing and flow lines is a phenomenon that affects many oil producers. Once paraffin wax has precipitated there is a tendency to agglomerate peripherally to the production flow path which eventually leads to a sectional decrease in tubing or, even, flow blockage across production zones. The impact of paraffin deposition ranges from wellbore issues, flow assurance challenges to total production impairment. In many mature fields, paraffin remediation can be challenging when deposition occurs in the formation especially in near-wellbore regions of producing wells. Temperature loss at these locations induces wax crystallization and subsequent formation damage. A mitigative approach to paraffin deposition in these areas can typically include the utilization of both paraffin inhibitors and paraffin solvents individually or in combination. However, as it pertains to paraffin remediation downhole, inhibitor placement in the formation or at near-wellbore has proven to be very challenging. This paper reviews the performance of two main chemical applications applied to address downhole wax deposition in a well from a South West Trinidad oilfield. The paper also discusses the strategy behind identifying the chemical type for the application and considerations for the placement of the chemical treatment to impact its intended target based on well data and well infrastructure.