Paraffin related problems of deposition, congealing oil and interface/tank bottoms cost the gas and oil industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Most of this money is spent without a clear understanding of the problems being experienced or their cost. If the real cost of a problem is not calculated before a treatment program is started it may not be possible to know if that program is cost effective. This paper will attempt to explain the difference between an inexpensive program and a cost effective program. Case histories will be presented.

Keywords:
condensate, cost effective program, hot oil, paraffin deposition, deposition, cost-effective treatment program, paraffin, paraffin problem, case history, flow line
Subjects:
Artificial Lift Systems, Flow Assurance, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Precipitates (paraffin, asphaltenes, etc.)
Copyright 2003, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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