Paper: A Novel Exothermic Process for the Removal of Paraffin Deposits in Hydrocarbon Production

The formation of troublesome organic deposits during oil and gas production is a significant cause of decreased production and increased lifting costs. Traditional methods of mechanical and solvent-based removal are time consuming, expensive, and can create additional problems of re-deposition and dehydration facilities upsets. A novel process has been developed to remove organic deposits from hydrocarbon producing wells 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 non-aqueous, which does not cause troublesome emulsions or potentially dangerous gas production.