Laboratory investigations of paraffin deposition process and the remarkable changes in the crystal structure of waxes resulted in the development of several copolymer paraffin crystal modifiers. Their mixtures with surfactants have caused strong viscosity reduction in Various Vietnam high paraffin crudes.

The changes in form and size of paraffin crystals due to co-crystallization between effective pour point-viscosity depressants and crude oil waxes, were investigated and the results were recorded by means of scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The mechanisms of pour point and viscosity reductions were examined using Infrared and Raman spectroscopes. The advantages and disadvantages of these tools were noted.

Keywords:
upstream oil & gas, spe 65024, crude oil pour point, modifier, copolymer, molecule, crystal morphology, reduction, chemical additive, pour point
Subjects:
Flow Assurance, Precipitates (paraffin, asphaltenes, etc.)
Copyright 2001, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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