Developed through extensive research and local collaboration, the new product DS-73063 reduced the crude oil pour point by approximately 40%, securing the economics of the new field.

India’s drive for energy independence is taking hydrocarbon production to increasingly challenging reservoirs. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC's) flagship deepwater Block KG-DWN-98/2 in the Bay of Bengal is anticipated to increase this operator's oil production by more than 35,000 bbl/d. However, the oil has a high wax content and cannot flow at seabed temperature. ONGC required a pour point depressant that would assure the flow of crude by preventing wax deposition at this low temperature.

The SLB technical team collaborated with a leading Indian chemical manufacturer to develop a specialized deepwater paraffin inhibitor, DS-73063, designed to provide flow assurance by significantly reducing the crude oil’s pour point. ONGC conducted rigorous laboratory evaluation of the new product to ensure that it satisfied the stringent performance criteria specified. Results showed that DS-73063

• reduced crude oil pour point by 15 degC, which corresponds to approximately 40% reduction
• decreased crude oil viscosity by 50–80% at 20 degC
• lowered crude oil yield point to <250 Pa at 11 degC
• exhibited product viscosity <20 cP at 4 degC
• demonstrated wax inhibition efficiency of 35–51%.

The innovative solution effectively inhibited wax deposition, ensuring uninterrupted production even in deep water, where seabed temperatures can drop as low as 4 degC. ONGC has adopted the product for continuous use.