This course discusses the physical characterization of crude oil, gas liquids and gas. Discussions of the causes of problems in all types of wells to include oil, gas, shale oil, coal bed methane, gas storage, injection, EOR produced wells and all types of surface equipment are included. The type of problems encountered in oils from 8 ° API to 90°API caused by paraffin and asphaltenes will be discussed. Field strategies for the production of these oils from these wells and practical solutions to produce these oils are presented. Testing methods for characterizing the physical characteristics of these oils and selecting possible treatment methods are covered. Discussions of current treatment methods, Mechanical, Thermal, Chemical and Others, to reduce or eliminate problems are included. A section will be included on effects of paraffin and asphaltenes on emulsion, corrosion and scale problems. A section on selecting Cost Effective treatment methods will be included. Formation damage removal of paraffin and asphaltenes from new and mature wells will be included. Questions will be taken throughout the course and discussion of the participants own problems will be encouraged. Laboratory and Field case histories are a large part of this course.

To learn what Paraffin and Asphaltenes are and their role in determining the physical characteristics of the oil they are in. Learn the effect of an oils physical characteristics on the problems that occur when drilling, completing and producing all types of oils. Understand the possible solutions to these problems and the most cost effective approaches to controlling them.

1. Discussion of the History of Paraffin and Asphaltene treating from removal to inhibition and the economic impact of Paraffin and Asphaltenes in the industry.

2. To learn modern characterization of Paraffin and Asphaltenes.

3. To study the practical use of all the methods available in operations for control/elimination of Paraffin problems.

4. To understand reasons for Paraffin Deposition.

5. To understand the tests used to determine cloud point (wax appearance temperature) and pour point and what they really mean in oil production.

6. To study the physical characteristics of Asphaltenes and how formation and tubing conditions can affect their stability and deposition tendencies.

7. Answer all questions as they come up to make material presented completely understandable to student.

8. Discuss influence of the API gravity of an oil, production method and production conditions as they relate to problems that will be encountered

9. Review course material based on student requests.

Topic 1: Introduction

Objective: Discussion of the history of the technology to control deposition and the economic impact of Paraffin and Asphaltenes in the industry.

Topic 2: Paraffin Chemistry and Physical Properties

Objective: To learn characterization of Paraffin

Topic 3: Asphaltene Chemistry and Physical Properties

Objective: To learn Characteristics of Asphaltenes

Topic 4: Causes of Paraffin Problems

Objective: To learn causes of paraffin deposition

Topic 5: Causes of Asphaltene Problems

Objective: To learn causes of Asphaltene deposition

Topic 6: Formation Damage Caused by Paraffin

Objective: To learn causes of Paraffin Deposition in Formation

Topic 7: Formation Damage Caused by Asphaltenes

Objective: To learn causes of Asphaltene Deposition in Formation

Topic 8: EOR Related Formation Damage Paraffin Problems

Objective: To learn causes of EOR Related Formation Damage Paraffin Problems

Topic 9: EOR Related Formation Damage Asphaltene Problems

Objective: To learn causes EOR Related Formation Damage Asphaltene Problems

Topic 10: Paraffin Problem in Producing Wells

Objective: To learn about Paraffin Problem in Producing Wells

Topic 11: Asphaltene Problems in Producing Wells

Objective: To learn problems with Asphaltenes in Producing wells

Topic 12: Paraffin Problems in Surface equipment

Objective: To learn problems with Paraffin in surface equipment

Topic 13: Asphaltene Problems in Surface Equipment

Objective: To learn problems with Asphaltenes in Surface equipment

Topic 14: Types of Paraffin Treatments

Objective: To learn Types of Paraffin treatments available

Topic 15: Types of Asphaltene Treatments

Objective: To learn Types of Asphaltene Treatments that have been used

Topic 16: Cost Effective Treating of Paraffin and Asphaltene Problems

Objective: Process to find Cost Effective Treatment Methods to Solve Oil Industry Organic Problems

This course is designed for Production, Reservoir Engineers, their Supervisors, Chemical Engineers, Geophysical and Technical field personnel from oil companies or Service companies that need to gain or increase their understanding of paraffin and asphaltene problems associated with field operations.