This paper presents the results of experiments conducted to evaluate the solubility and dissolution rate of paraffin in selected chemical solvents. The causes of formation damage from paraffin deposition and the methods used to control or mitigate the damage are discussed. A thermodynamic model using regular solution theory was developed to predict phase equilibrium of solvents and paraffin precipitation. Reasonable agreement was obtained between the model prediction and laboratory results when the solvent compositions are known. The kinetic approach to the dissolution rate suggests the use of pseudo-first order reaction form between the paraffin and the solvent.

Keywords:
symposium, prediction, reservoir, formation damage, enhanced recovery, dissolution rate, flow assurance, paraffin, upstream oil & gas, reaction
Subjects:
Formation Damage, Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Flow Assurance, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Inhibition and remediation of hydrates, scale, paraffin / wax and asphaltene, Precipitates (paraffin, asphaltenes, etc.)
Copyright 1996, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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