A comprehensive method for determining the dewaxing interval period in gas lift wells

Abstract The gas lift method is an artificial of well production using the energy compressed injected into to reservoir fluid surface. formation paraffin deposits has remained one critical oil problems due growing percentage hard-to-recover reserves in overall structure. This complication also typical for many and fields Vietnam, such as White Tiger, Bear, Dragon fields. Wax deposit negatively affects operation individual wells development field a whole, which leads decrease productivity need take measures remove deposits, subsequently increasing downtime period well. In order ensure stable highly paraffinic oil, it necessary dewax systematically. frequency wax removal operations depends on intensity formation, determined by various technological, technical, geological factors. interval between dewaxing called (DIP). value important technological parameter characterizes efficiency well’s operation. this study, comprehensive been developed determine (treatment interval) gas-lift when occurred. optimal suggested be change liquid flow rate at point falls 20% from initial value. addition, mathematical model time-dependent thickness, taking account heat mass transfer laws laboratory results Cold Finger method, developed. proposed determining was applied Vietnam. DIP prediction gave similar actual data (6.67 6 days, respectively). obtained showed that had proven its accuracy following comparison with field's operations.