Abstract

Problems related to crystallization and deposition of paraffin and asphalt-resinous substances from oil in transport pipes are considered. It is noted that the deposition of paraffin particles is of a migration-diffusion nature. The migration - diffusion mechanism and kinetics of paraffin crystallization and their deposits in transport and heat exchangers pipes are proposed. To solve the heat transfer equation, a model of temperature distribution in pipes with deposits is proposed. Comparison of the models with the existing experimental data gave satisfactory results. At the same time, modern software tools for modeling the wax deposition process are considered. It is noted that the simulation results are not always applicable to real field cases. A scaling effect is needed for a more reliable interpretation.

Keywords: Crystallization and deposition; Migration-diffusion mechanism; Wax appearance temperature; Modeling software