Inhibition of wax deposition in natural gas transmission pipelines

The oil and gas sector explores larger fractions of crude oils with high paraffin wax content as global oil supplies deplete. Offshore oil production is significantly impacted by the precipitation and deposition of waxes during the transit of waxy crude oils through pipelines. This results in decreased flowability, higher pumping costs, and the creation of wax gel. Thus, flow assurance issues require significant resources. Inhibitors and pour point depressants for wax are developed and fine-tuned to meet wax remediation requirements. Waxes are deposited via molecular diffusion and shear dispersion after nucleation, growth, and agglomeration. Wax inhibitors regulate wax crystal development by nucleation, crystallization, adsorption, and dispersion. Inhibitors of polymeric waxes, pour point depressants of nanohybrids, organic solvents, and surfactants were all investigated in this chapter. Because of their crucial role in wax deposition and precipitation, this paper explores the many types, properties, and emerging applications of these compounds, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. These compounds' problems and efficiencies were also examined. Thus, paraffin wax and wax inhibitor carbon length and molecular weight are key factors.