Microbial Solutions to Paraffin Problems
Microscopic view (Below) of reduction
in paraffin over time.
Most operators have experienced paraffin-related problems associated with the production of oil and gas systems. Paraffin deposition can lead to diminished well performance and increased lifting costs. Bio Tech offers operators a cost effective and environmentally friendly microbial solution to paraffin problems.
Microbial Mechanisms
The line of microbial products used by Bio Tech to address paraffin problems is called Para-Bac™ Para-Bac products are comprised of 100% natural (not genetically engineered), non-pathogenic, live bacteria that have been selected and adapted to degrade the spectrum of paraffin that can exist in oil and gas wells. The Para-Bac microbes use paraffin in their metabolic activity. In the digestion process, Para-Bac microbes control paraffin deposition by reducing the length of the paraffin molecule and by producing byproducts that act as surfactants and paraffin solvents. The “cracking" of the long chain paraffins results in increased API gravity and reduced cloud point. The bio-production of surfactants and solvents enables the fluid to solublize paraffin-based skin damage from the wellbore; the microbes will colonize the entire production system and seek out paraffin as a food source. Unlike conventional methods, such as chemicals or hot oil, which are temporary and limited to accessible areas, Bio Tech treatments are continuously working to provide control of paraffin deposition. This results in a much more efficient and effective treatment.
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Rod photos (left) of Para-Bac in action depicting reduction of paraffin over time. |
Data from an analysis by gas chromatograph of oil samples before inoculation and four months into treatment show a shift in the
n-alkane distribution in the produced oil.
