Tundra's Automated Batch System for Paraffin Treatment
Location: Lucky Hills, Saskatchewan
Capillary Landing Depth: 670 mKB
Formation: Viking
Capillary Landing Depth: 670 mKB
Formation: Viking
Viking Neil and the Pig Barn
A Case Study in Wax Solutions
A Case Study in Wax Solutions
Some oil wells suffer declining production partially caused by buildup of solid paraffins. The effect of this wax like build up is that the rods become coated with a thick black tar substance that results in rod restriction. The traditional fix is to hot oil or dump chemical down the backside; both work but are temporary band aids until the buildup causes rod restriction again.
The “Pig Barn” as it is locally known, is an oil well that came on line January, 2013. Shortly after, it waxed off and required a workover; within 3 months it waxed off again. During this second workover Tundra was consulted to design a system to mitigate the wax problem and stabilize this well that at that time could potentially require a workover every 3 – 4 months.
In May 2013 Tundra’s new concept was installed, the Solar Automated Batch System. The system works on a load cell (a timer option is available) powered by solar. The system delivers only the amount of chemical required at a precise depth.
Tundra’s system is still running in this well, as installed, more than 2 years later.
Tundra’s Solar Automated Batch System was installed on completion in 14 more wells in this zone with a history of wax issues as proactive, preventative maintenance.
Alterations / Issues / Problems to Overcome
Tundra’s Solar Automated Batch System was a new concept and has had requirements for alterations.
Some of the solar panels received no sun for 28 days and the system was altered to run on an alternator connected to the pump jack.
A 48V motor is installed on the system but in some cases has a life span of less than 2 years due to wear on the brushes. We are currently looking at a design incorporating a hydraulic pump with a clutch.
Tundra is committed to continuous improvements on all our custom designed solutions with every client.
Tundra Petroleum would like to give Viking Neil a special Thank You for his creative input, willingness to try new ideas and his patience and commitment to see the project through.
The “Pig Barn” as it is locally known, is an oil well that came on line January, 2013. Shortly after, it waxed off and required a workover; within 3 months it waxed off again. During this second workover Tundra was consulted to design a system to mitigate the wax problem and stabilize this well that at that time could potentially require a workover every 3 – 4 months.
In May 2013 Tundra’s new concept was installed, the Solar Automated Batch System. The system works on a load cell (a timer option is available) powered by solar. The system delivers only the amount of chemical required at a precise depth.
Tundra’s system is still running in this well, as installed, more than 2 years later.
Tundra’s Solar Automated Batch System was installed on completion in 14 more wells in this zone with a history of wax issues as proactive, preventative maintenance.
Alterations / Issues / Problems to Overcome
Tundra’s Solar Automated Batch System was a new concept and has had requirements for alterations.
Some of the solar panels received no sun for 28 days and the system was altered to run on an alternator connected to the pump jack.
A 48V motor is installed on the system but in some cases has a life span of less than 2 years due to wear on the brushes. We are currently looking at a design incorporating a hydraulic pump with a clutch.
Tundra is committed to continuous improvements on all our custom designed solutions with every client.
Tundra Petroleum would like to give Viking Neil a special Thank You for his creative input, willingness to try new ideas and his patience and commitment to see the project through.
In Neil’s words, “D-Wax batch treatment down backside is unreliable on a horizontal well. Load cell controlled cap string injection for condensate to treat is reliable and proven, it is injected into the tubing where the problem exists making it a more reliable preventative treatment method by far. Condy is captured back to production and is sold to recapture costs.”
