A NOVEL EXOTHERMIC PROCESS FOR THE REMOVAL OF PARAFFIN DEPOSITS IN HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION

The formation of troublesome organic deposits during oil and gas produ ction is a significant cause of decreased production and increased lif ting costs. Traditional methods of mechanical and solvent-based remova l are time consuming, expensive, and can create additional problems of redeposition and dehydration facilities upsets. A novel process has b een-developed to remove organic deposits from hydrocarbon-producing we lls and equipment by generating an exothermic reaction that melts and disperses paraffin wax and asphaltenic deposits. The reaction product is a powerful paraffin dispersant that prevents redeposition after the temperature returns to normal. The process is nonaqueous, which does not cause troublesome emulsions or potentially dangerous gas productio n.