The temperature from Erskine field wells is expected to be approximately 1400C when flowing through the pipeline toward Lomond Platform. Upon arrival at Lomond platform, the temperature is expected to decline to approximately 80oC. Condensate from the Erskine field will then commingle with the Lomond condensate, and temperature is estimated to be approximately 60OC upon its export to the North Everest Platform. The temperature of the fluid is expected to be drop further once reaching the seabed. With the WAT of the Pentland Condensate (Worst WAT properties amongst) of approximately 46oC, wax deposition is most likely to occur between the Lomond Platform and the North Everest Platform [16].
Experiments conducted on the Erskine field fluids have indicated uninhibited wax deposition is as high as 0.2mm/hour [17]. In order to prevent from any wax formation in the pipeline, a number of wax inhibitors were tested to determine the most effective inhibitors. 17 inhibitors passed the first screening stage, however, upon further investigation none of the 17 was found to be suitable. Nalco-Exxon then provided with the most promising inhibitor, EC6361A. Upon further testing of the inhibitor on the commingled fluids (Erskine, Pentland, KA and Lomond), the inhibitor is able to reduce the pour point of the Pentland fluid from 9oC to 4oC. The EC6361A has also managed to reduce the deposition of hard…show more content… In the case if wax deposition occurring in 75% of the pipelines, total wax laydown of approximately 3m3 is expected. This is still considered to be significant amount of wax, which indicates EC6361A alone, is not sufficient in preventing wax deposition totally. However, the 40% reduction in deposition rate will reduce operational problems at Lomond Platform. Therefore, albeit not able to prevent wax deposition totally, EC6361A is considered to be valuable
