Methods and compositions for thermally treating a conduit used for hydrocarbon production or transmission to help remove paraffin wax buildup

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided for making a solid material for controlling the release of at least one reactant of an exothermic reaction into a carrier fluid. The method comprises the steps of: (a) mixing a reactant with a polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material is capable of being hydrated, and water, wherein the proportion of water is insufficient to substantially hydrate the polymeric material but is sufficient to make the polymeric material sticky to help bind the reactant into a matrix; and (b) drying the mixture. According to a similar aspect, methods and compositions are provided for making a solid material for use in controlling the release of a catalyst of an exothermic reaction into a carrier fluid for increasing the temperature of a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. According to other aspects, the reactant or catalyst is mixed with a binder.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.TECHNICAL FIELD[0004]The invention generally relates to the methods for warming a conduit used for hydrocarbon production or transmission to help remediate paraffin wax buildup. More particularly, the invention relates to forming a treatment fluid with reactants that react exothermically to produce heat in a controlled manner and introducing the treatment fluid into the conduit to warm the pipeline. The heat can be used to help remove paraffin wax deposits.BACKGROUND[0005]Hydrocarbon, such as crude oil, for making various grades of fuels and oils, is produced by drilling wells into the earth, either on land or under sea. Crude oil contains many kinds of hydrocarbons, including paraffin wax.[0006]Paraffin wax deposition is found practically whenever hydrocarbon (e.g., crude oil) is produc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0040]After introducing the treatment fluid into the conduit, the treatment fluid is preferably allowed to heat the conduit to help melt the paraffin wax deposits. The treatment fluid preferably includes a liquid hydrocarbon that is

Problems solved by technology

Paraffin wax deposition obstructs the flow of oil, lowering oil production and interfering with transportation.

But as crude oil flows through the production tubulars from the hydrocarbon-bearing formation through the wellbore toward the surface, the surrounding temperature of the wellbore tends to decline toward the surface, allowing heat to dissipate from the fluid and causing the hydrocarbon fluid to begin to cool.

This can be particularly problematic in subsea pipelines because the surrounding water on the seafloor is very cold, typically about 39° F.

To help prevent paraffin deposits, some cross-country pipelines are heated, which is very costly.

However, this is not feasible for subsea pipelines, which are in direct contact with the surrounding cold seawater.

Unless at least some of the buildup is removed from time to time, eventually the deposits can increase to the point where the conduit becomes choked.

Also, sometimes some of the paraffin deposits will release from the inside wall of a pipeline and cause a blockage.

Such a blockage can occur anywhere in the pipeline.

The mechanical approaches are used specially for production strings and pipeline conduits, as they are generally unsuitable for use in a subterranean format

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