Experience in modeling an asphaltene depositions curve and reducing the intensity of their formation by optimizing oil production technology

Abstract

Relevance. The need to study the formation of asphaltene deposits in oil production wells. Among the known methods of combating these complications, the greatest interest is in optimizing oil production technology to prevent or reduce the intensity of the formation of these deposits. Aim. To study the possibility of constructing a curve for the formation of asphaltene deposits on the laboratory installation “Wax Flow Loop” and to determine the possibility of optimizing oil production technology to prevent the formation of these deposits. Methods. Laboratory studies on the “Wax Flow Loop“ installation, modeling based on the component composition of oil in the “PVTSim“ software product, calculations in the “Engineering Simulator of Technological Processes“ software product. Results. Based on the results of laboratory studies and numerical calculations, it was possible to construct a curve for the formation of asphaltene deposits. The correctness of the curve was validated against actual data on plugging a production well. The calculation of the influence of installing an electric centrifugal pump and choke-fitting a well showed that the first technology for changing oil production can significantly reduce the intensity of the formation of asphaltene deposits by introducing additional energy. The second technology only slightly shifts the thermobaric conditions of liquid extraction, which does not significantly affect the intensity of the formation of asphaltene deposits. Conclusions. The laboratory installation "Wax Flow Loop" allows correctly forming the curve of asphaltene deposits formation in the production tubing of oil producing wells. Methods for optimizing oil production technology make it possible to prevent the formation of asphaltene deposits with correct modeling and numerical calculations and selection of downhole pumping equipment.