PREVENT Paraffin Inhibitors

Where hydrocarbons depressurize and cool, paraffins can nucleate and grow into crystal structures that can impact flow through gelation, higher pour point and viscosity, and deposition. Operational issues such as reduced flow, increased backpressure, and waxy sludge formation in storage tanks can occur.

Our proven approach starts with the gathering and examination of field information and the subsequent design and implementation of laboratory tests—including use of live-fluid organic solids deposition analysis—to determine the optimal treatment.

Select from a range of options

Our paraffin inhibition range includes

• paraffin inhibitors—high-molecular-weight polymers that interact with paraffins in the crude to modify (inhibit) wax crystal formation, shape, size, and adhesion characteristics
• pour-point depressants—polymers with n-alkyl chains that similarly impede wax crystal formation, leading to lower fluid viscosity, pour point, and yield stress
• paraffin dispersants—surface-active agents that prevent paraffin deposition in oilfield systems by creating repulsion between paraffin particles as well as between paraffin particles and the pipe surface.