Wax Control and Removal in Oil Well

Abstract

Wax control and cleanup are problems to be solved during oil recovery. The inner reason for wax deposition is the existence of wax in crude oil. In this chapter, the wax deposition mechanism is discussed. Two common methods to prevent the wax deposition of oil wells are introduced, including using wax inhibitors and altering surface properties of oil pipe. For oil wells already with wax deposition, the wax can be cleaned up through mechanical methods (such as wax scraper) or thermal methods (such as circulation of hot-oil and circulation of hot-water). Wax remover can also be utilized to remove the wax.