HanYi Wang,

A non-isothermal wellbore model for high pressure high temperature natural gas
reservoirs and its application in mitigating wax deposition,
Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering,
Volume 72,
2019,
103016,
ISSN 1875-5100,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2019.103016.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875510019302689)
Abstract: Correctly estimate pressure drop and temperature distribution along
wellbore is crucial for completion design, production optimization and flow
assurance in oil and gas well. In places where wax or paraffin deposits along the
wellbore is a concern, a non-isothermal wellbore model is needed to analyze the
risks of wellbore plugging under various operational/reservoir conditions and
design mitigating approaches accordingly. In this study, a non-isothermal wellbore
model for high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) natural gas reservoirs is
proposed. The mathematical framework laid out in this article can also be used as a
template for modeling gas injection in deep wells. Field cases are used to
calibrate and validate the presented model, along with discussions on associated
uncertainties. Matain well-head temperature above a desired level is critical for
mitigating wax/paraffin deposition, and it is found that the most effective methods
to minimize temperature drop along the wellbore are: increasing production rate by
hydraulic fracturing; selecting an optimal tubing size and applying thermal
insulation coating to the production tubing.
Keywords: HPHT reservoirs; Deep wells; Natural gas; Non-isothermal; Flow assurance;
Wax/paraffin deposition