Wellbore-temperature distribution calculation and of flow pattern changing analysis in high pour-point oil wells

Due to high wax content and high freezing point of high pour-point oil, a great amount of wax separates and gathers during the process of upgoing along the wellbore when the oil temperature is below the wax initial crystallization temperature. So that the crude oil will loses mobility gradually, and blocks the pipelines eventually, and this affects the reservoir development effect severely. In order to solve the problem, a mathematical model suiting to the wellbore temperature distribution of high-pour- point oil was established according to the basic principles of heat transfer. The viscosity-temperature curve for high pour-point-oil was obtained through experiments, and then wellbore-temperature distribution and flow pattern changing in high pour-point oil wells were studied. At last, the paper figured out the solution of wax precipitation problem in this oilfield which has certain reference for the development of high pour-point oil.