Method of removing solid paraffin-containing deposits from oil well surfaces

Patent · Tue Sep 19 04:00:00 EDT 1967

OSTI ID:6369110

Willard, Sr, J W; Brorby, J

Sludge can be removed from oil wells or producing formations or flow lines by contacting the sludge with polyol esters of fatty acids and thereafter contacting the sludge with an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, after which the well can be flushed with water. It is preferred that the polyol be a triglyceride vegetable oil such as corn oil. The alkali metal hydroxide at least partially saponifies the esters to form water-soluble alkali metal soaps which complete the cleaning action. Flushing with water then removes the whole of the sludge, leaving clean surfaces. The vegetable or corn oil is introduced into the well at an initial temperature of at least 175$F. (9 claims)

• Assignee: JB Oil Treatment Co. Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 3342265
• OSTI ID: 6369110
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ALKANES
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CLEANING
CORN OIL
ENERGY SOURCES
ESTERIFICATION
ESTERS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROXIDES
LIPIDS
MEDIUM TEMPERATURE
OIL WELLS
OILS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARAFFIN
PETROLEUM
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDES
REMOVAL
SLUDGES
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
SODIUM HYDROXIDES
TRIGLYCERIDES
WAXES
WELLS