Relief flow swirlers to control wax deposition formation inside downhole equipment

Abstract

The present study describes problems of wax deposition formation on the surface of oil field equipment. In particular, the problem of wax deposition prevention inside tubing walls is considered. Wax prevention techniques and wax removal techniques were analyzed and the main advantages and disadvantages of these techniques were highlighted. The technique for controlling wax deposits by means of fluid swirl is proposed, which is carried out using a process module for controlling downhole deposits based on a flow swirl. Simulation flow modeling in the direct-flow swirler was performed. The simulation was carried out with the help of SolidWorks Flow Simulation program for different profiles of flow section, number of turns, and swirling pitch. An increase in temperature due to a fluid swirl and a significant pressure gradient in the wall layers of the tubing after the swirler were revealed.