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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Paraffin removal and prevention

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6693143
This is a composition and method for removing paraffin from wells and flow lines and for preventing its deposition. The composition consists of from about 0.03 to about 80% by volume of monohydric aliphatic alcohol, such as iso-octyl alcohol, having about 6 to 10 carbon atoms per molecule; from about 0.05 to about 75% by volume of an ethoxylated polypropylene glycol; and from 0 to about 99.9% by volume of a hydrocarbon oil. The ratio of the alcohol to the ethoxylated polypropylene glycol is between about 1 to 3 and about 4 to 1. The ethoxylated polypropylene glycol is based on polypropylene glycol having an average mole wt of from about 900 to about 3,500. The ethoxylated polypropylene glycol has an average polypropylene portion equal to from about 6 to 40% of the total average mole wt of the molecules. The composition is placed in contact with the paraffin to be removed and the surfaces are then flushed with water, a hydrocarbon oil, or a mixture thereof. (9 claims)
Assignee:
Pan American Petroleum Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 3162601
OSTI ID:
6693143
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English