Flexoil® paraffin control products prevent crude oil precipitation of paraffin wax deposits in production risers, subsea tie-backs, or any other production tubular or transportation pipeline.
Flexoil® products are wax crystal modifiers that prevent paraffin formation by interfering with the bonding of aliphatic wax molecules. Composed of branched chain polymers, these modifiers bond to the wax crystal lattice at an active growing site but prevent further growth and interfere with deposition by disrupting the lattice structure.
Although the paraffins remain unstable in solution, they are prevented from growing crystals of adequate size to block production lines; hence production is not impeded even for temperatures below the wax appearance temperature (WAT).
Flexoil® wax crystal modifiers are applied continuously in the production stream for uninterrupted paraffin control. In pumping wells with low to moderate fluid levels, frequent batch treatments can approximate a continuous injection treatment. Similarly, a continuous supply of chemical can be provided by feedback from a formation squeeze treatment.
Paraffin Creation
Paraffins are aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes that are present in most crude oils. They precipitate from a crude oil at the point where the temperature falls below the WAT.
These deposits reduce the internal diameter of tubulars and pipelines, restrict or block valves, and impede other production equipment to reduce capacity and, in the worst case, stop production.
Customized Response
Proper treating recommendations for cost-effective paraffin control are complicated by differences in produced oil characteristics, variations in system operating conditions and the wide variety of treatment chemicals available for use.
Selection of the proper chemical and treating method, particularly for continuous injection or squeeze applications with crystal modifiers, should be based on laboratory and field-testing.
Equally important is expert analysis to quickly determine the key treatment parameters and select the appropriate paraffin control formulation. Once selected and applied, CTI monitors the treatment program to maintain effectiveness and avoid reoccurring problems.
Champion’s industry-leading capabilities in tailored field service and project-specific product formulation make Flexoil® products a highly effective, economic solution for prevention of paraffin wax deposits.
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