In this paper a cold pipe continuous wax remover and slurry making device is described for use in long distance subsea tie back applications using single bare flow lines (Cold Flow). The basic principle of the Cold Flow solution is to eliminate the temperature differential between the production fluids and the walls of the flow line, thus eliminating the deposition of wax on the flow line walls. This is accomplished by cooling the fluids to ambient temperature and precipitating solid waxes in a controlled section of the pipeline (Treatment Loop) before entering the flow line. To increase the efficiency of cooling, and hence reduce the length of the treatment loop, wax deposits that form on the walls of the loop are constantly removed by using a continuously circulating unique mechanical device (WaxEater). The WaxEater consists of a train of circular discs, each having a diameter that leaves a small clearance within the inside diameter of the Treatment Loop. The WaxEater continuously circulates in the specially designed Treatment Loop, propelled by the produced fluids, and sweeps the wax deposits off the inner wall of the loop. The concept was successfully tested in an 800-ft fl loop. Several test runs were performed using waxy Gulf of Mexico (GoM) crude oils, with and without the WaxEater. This paper presents the results of these tests.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.