PetroLuxus™ PE (Paraffin Eliminator)
The problem of high paraffin content crude oils presents problems for the oilfield such as plugged pipes, pump problems, and valve failures. The problem is centered on the fact that at lowered temperatures high paraffinic crude begins to solidify and is extremely difficult to move through piping and even affect the flow of crude within the formation at the well bottom. In the past many solvents have been used with varying results, most of these solvent based paraffin products are petroleum based or surfactant/detergent based. Further more some of the “additives” do not possess a high BTU value and when large quantities are used, the quality of the crude can be adversely affected. Petroluxus-PE is a non-petroleum derivative of soybean oil. The PE is not only biodegradable and non-toxic, but has a BTU value near that of #2 diesel fuel and will not have any negative effect on the quality of the crude with the exception of increasing it’s API value. Furthermore Petroluxus-PE has a flash point above 150 degrees Fahrenheit so that handling is less hazardous.
Below is a cross section of pipe displaying the plugging effects of paraffin.
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To use Petroluxus-PE at the well site, the user simply pumps the product down the hole. The proper quantity of Petroluxus-PE will be determined by taking into account the well bore size, depth, average API gravity of the crude, and formation porosity. Depending on the formation and possibly the age of the well, recirculation maybe required. Continuous monitoring of the API gravity is necessary in order to determine the optimum treatment levels. There is no need to treat the recovered crude oil in any way and the crude is simply pumped out to tanks or pipeline.
The product has been tested in the oil recovery of “tar balls” collected from beaches and ocean surfaces. The product helps separate the solids (sand and shells) from the oil as well as decreases the viscosity of the tar allowing it to be handled easier and enables it to be taken to market. The Petroluxus could be utilized in similar fashion to recover the tar and aggregate from used black top roadways. In this way the material could be recycled and reused as a quality product.
Planet has filed a patent to protect its intellectual property rights on PetroLuxus PE.