Nano Polysaccharide Well Treatment for Wax Redeposition Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing paraffin and asphaltene deposits in hydrocarbon wells and pipelines are inefficient, as hot oil and hot water lose heat before reaching the deposits, leading to redeposition and the need for additional cleaning processes like pigging.
Innovation Solution
A well treatment composition using nano polysaccharides, such as nanocrystalline cellulose, mixed with hot water or a water miscible solvent to create a nano suspension for effective wax removal, which can be injected downhole or through pipelines to maintain dispersion and prevent redeposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hot oil or hot water is circulated to remove deposits, then the hydrocarbon deposits are softened and dissolved, but the treatment fluid loses heat before reaching the formation, reducing its ability to melt wax
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the treatment fluid by adding surfactants and dispersants to hot water, transforming it from a simple thermal treatment to a chemically-enhanced treatment that maintains effectiveness at lower temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surfactants and dispersants as intermediary substances that facilitate the interaction between hot water and wax deposits, enabling effective cleaning without requiring the treatment fluid to maintain high temperatures throughout the circulation path
2Length of stationary object
If hot oil is injected from the bottom of the tank to reach the formation, then the deepest deposits are treated, but the oil loses most of its heat by the time it reaches the formation, reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical properties of the treatment fluid by incorporating surfactants and dispersants, allowing effective wax removal at reduced temperatures over the full depth of the well
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite treatment fluid system combining hot water with surfactants and dispersants, achieving both deep penetration and effective wax removal without the heat loss problems of pure thermal treatment
3Productivity
If hot water is pumped through the casing to remove wax, then the wax is softened and dispersed, but the water loses energy on the way back, causing melted wax to redeposit in the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dispersants as intermediary substances that maintain wax dispersion throughout the circulation cycle, preventing redeposition even when the hot water loses thermal energy on its way back to the surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous wax dispersion and prevention throughout the entire circulation cycle by using dispersants, maintaining the useful action of wax removal rather than allowing it to reverse due to heat loss
4Reliability
If additional cleaning processes like pigging are used to remove redeposited wax, then complete cleaning is achieved, but the operational complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional treatment fluid that simultaneously softens, dissolves, disperses, and prevents redeposition of wax in a single circulation process, eliminating the need for multiple separate cleaning operations like pigging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions (thermal softening, chemical dissolution, dispersion, and anti-redeposition) into a single integrated treatment fluid system, simplifying the overall cleaning process while maintaining effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nano polysaccharide suspension effectively keeps wax dispersed, reducing the need for additional cleaning processes and improving the efficiency of pipeline and well cleaning operations.
Implementation Method 1
The nano polysaccharide suspension effectively keeps wax dispersed, reducing the need for additional cleaning processes
Implementation Method 2
the wax removal additives are mixed in hot water to create a nano suspension
Data Source
AI summary
A well treatment composition wax removal additives for the cleaning of a well containing hydrocarbons waxes. The wax removal additives comprise nano polysaccharides. A method of cleaning a hydrocarbon well containing at least one of wax, asphaltenes or scale, by injecting a nano polysaccharide solution.