Paper: Disadvantages of Hot Oiling for Downhole Paraffin Removal in Rod pumping Systems

The use of hot oil as a paraffin removal technique has existed almost as long as the production of crude oil. It is still one of the most commonly used methods for the removal of paraffin deposits from the wellbore, tubing, flowline and tankage in the oilfield today. The relative simplicity of application, immediate results and low cost per application have made hot oiling an accepted, if not traditional form of paraffin removal. This paper discusses the disadvantages of hot oiling that have been overlooked in the past, but should be considered with our present knowledge concerning paraffin and asphaltene deposition. Topics discussed include the following problem areas; source of oil, loss of oil during hot oiling, formation damage, tubing plugging, flowline plugging, surface equipment problems and tank bottoms. Suggestions for minimizing each of these problems are made and an alternative to hot oiling is presented. These topics are presented for practical application on most rod pumping systems.