Paper: Pratical Paraffin Solvent Treating Considerations

The removal of paraffin deposition in rod pumping wells has cost the industry billions of dollars over the years in direct and indirect costs. Once deposited, indirect heating of the paraffin by using a hot oil truck is the most common treatment. However, since hot oiling typically has been proven to be ineffective below about 500', solvents are a useful alternative. This paper summarizes some of practical field aspects of solvent treatments and basic economic considerations. Preliminary evaluation of hot oiling effectiveness, melting point testing, solvent selection procedures and field pumping concerns will be addressed.
For many wells, these procedures will identify areas where hot oiling is ineffective and solvent treating is the preferred method for removing paraffin that is already deposited.