The reputation of paraffin related flow assurance production chemicals have long suffered from the subjectivity of the test methods used for their selection and recommendation. For example, traditional test methods used to asses potential continuous application chemical product candidates rely on the measurement of deposit on a cold surface by mass difference, a methodology often referred to as the cold finger test. However, there is a relatively large error associated with the test due to entrained oil and loss of sample during removal of the test surface. Thus, there is wide scope for improvement, especially concerning new chemical product development and innovation. Here we present a novel procedure where near infrared (NIR) light is used to measure in real time the crystallization and deposition of wax on a temperature controlled test surface, providing a measure of crude oil fouling tendency and a relative ranking of product performance. Such is the sensitivity of the test method, it is possible to detect the activity of wax crystal modifiers and dispersant / surfactant type products when the bulk fluid is both above and below the wax appearance temperature.

Identification of continuous chemical treatment products to manage paraffin deposition in the oilfield

255th National Meeting (2018)

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