(75g) Paraffin Deposition Modeling – Is the Current Methodology Sufficient?

Paraffin deposition in subsea pipelines is one of the greatest flow assurance challenges in offshore production, and reliable paraffin deposition models serve as vital guiding tools for field operations. Nearly all previous work simulate paraffin deposition using a “diffusion-limited” approach. That is, molecular diffusion is regarded as the primary deposition mechanisms and treated as the rate-limiting step in modeling practices. In this work, we present experimental observations that questions this approach. The results are a collection of findings from several systematic experimental investigations conducted by state-of-the-art flow loop facilities and a waxy condensate with 9.5% wax content. These data, along with recent findings from other publications, collectively indicate that the prevailing approach of modeling paraffin deposition is insufficient. We suggest further modeling efforts take other deposition mechanisms and the non-Newtonian feature of paraffin deposits into consideration.