Energy & Fuels, Vol.26, No.7, 4124-4136, 2012
Production of Waxy Oils on the Norwegian Continental Shelf: Experiences, Challenges, and Practices
This paper gives an overview of some important experiences and challenges with the production of waxy oils on the Norwegian continental shelf with regard to the control of wax deposition and gelling. Fundamental as well as operational aspects of wax and gelling control are addressed, such as (i) pipelines with severe wax buildup, (ii) prediction of wax deposition potential, (iii) measurement and monitoring of wax deposition in pipelines, (iv) pig design for efficient wax removal and criteria for determining wax pigging frequency, (v) wax pigging in gas-dominated flow lines, (vi) production of waxy, high-pour-point oils, (vii) production of waxy fluids from low-temperature reservoirs, and (viii) long-distance oil satellite tiebacks. In addition to relevant experiences and current status and trends, views on focus areas and directions forward are given.