Wax removal in a production line
US11828136B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/121
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In artificial lift production systems, a reduction in pressure and temperature as production fluids migrate to the surface can cause a buildup in the production tubing that reduces or stops production. To remove buildup, an ESP can be operated at low efficiency and low flow operating conditions to generate heat in the pump. The heat increases the temperature of the production fluid in the pump. When the heated production fluid is transported to the surface, the fluid increases the temperature of the production tubing resulting in a melting of the solidified wax blocking the production tubing. As the wax melts, the production fluid carries it toward the surface. Over time, the heated production fluid will melt enough solidified wax to open the production tubing to a full flow capacity, thus allowing standard production operation to continue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.