Solving asphaltene precipitation issue in vertical wells via redesigning of production facilities

Precipitation of heavy hydrocarbon components such as Wax and Asphaltenes are one of the most challenging issues in oil production processes. The associated complications extend from the reservoir to refineries and petrochemical plants. Precipitation is most destructive when the affected areas are hard to reach, for example the wellbore of producing wells. This work demonstrates the effect of adjusting choke valve sizes on thermodynamic parameters of fluid flowing in a vertical well. Our simulation results revealed optimum choke valve sizes that could keep producing vertical wells away from Asphaltene precipitation. The results of this study were implemented on a well in Darquin Reservoir that had been experiencing asphaltene precipitation. Experimental analysis of reservoir fluid, Asphaltene tests and thermodynamic simulations of well column were carried out and the most appropriate size of choke valve was determined. After replacing the well's original choke valve with the suggested choke valve, the Asphaltene precipitation problem diminished.