Energy efficiency challenge of waxy oil production by electric submersible pumps

Abstract

In this paper the solid wax formation in two live oils of the Samara region fields on five operating pressures with different contents of high molecular substances were examined. For both oil samples a linear relation between wax appearance temperature and pressure was obtained. The study showed the inevitable transition of wax from the liquid phase to solid in the examined live oils under downhole conditions. This fact indicates a high probability of complications during well operations of these oilfields. If measures are not put in place to prevent the deposit formation in wells, there is a chance of complete blockage of tubing and flowlines by wax. These problems will lead to decrease in well flowrates to their shutdown, thereby increasing the operation costs to remove deposits and capital expenditures of oil production. Evaluation of the conditions for the wax precipitation in oil wells will allow to develop technology of prevention and remediation of previously formed organic deposits. The potential solid wax formation depth of both wells for minimum well flowrate of 20 m3 per day are calculated. The technology of continuous injection wax inhibitor in designed depth where formation of solid wax has not been observed yet is proposed.