Using Paraffin Remover to Keep your Wells Clean

Paraffin refers to a waxy buildup of organic materials in oil wells and is one of the most common problems in oil production. Most crude oils contain paraffin crystals and as the oil cools, paraffin crystals form bundles. These bundles are deposited in the well bore, flow lines, pipes and tubing, and if left unattended, they turn into blockages that eventually stop the flow of oil. This problem is easily solved, but if left untreated these deposits can drastically reduce the efficiency of your oil production.

There are several methods for removing paraffin build-up, including:

•    Mechanical
•    Scraping
•    Coiled Tubing
•    Thermal
•    Hot Oiling
•    Hot Water
•    Chemical – Wax Solvents/Dispersants
•    Combination Treatments

Paraffin remover helps keep your wells clean and removes significantly more paraffin/asphaltene than traditional solvents by keeping paraffin suspended in solution longer and inhibits paraffin deposition. Chemical methods are an effective and efficient solution to paraffin removal.

Some paraffin removers require heat to be effective, which is expensive, requiring additional equipment and increased energy usage so it is preferable to find a solvent effective at low temperatures.

In applying chemicals, it is important to follow recommended safety measures. Some paraffin removers require the use of caustic reagents which can be harmful to workers and can potentially damage the equipment. Some of the solvents are toxic and hazardous to human health and the environment. Top priority should be given to using products that are safe for personnel and the environment.

How Liquid De-Icer Can Prevent Coal and Other Aggregates from Freezing

Harsh winters and cold weather can make coal and other aggregates freeze, which makes it difficult to unload. For this reason, de-icers are used to make sure that they do not freeze. De-icers come in either solid or liquid types, with the former being some of the most commonly used in the form of calcium chloride and rock salt. However, they can possibly damage concrete and vegetation when used excessively or used the wrong way. Hence, industries like mining turn to liquid de-icer as a better alternative, especially if they want to achieve quick results. Here are ways that a liquid de-icer can prevent freezing and why it is preferred:

• It melts fast – Solid de-icers take time to dissolve into the brine before they can work to melt snow and ice. Liquid de-icers are already in liquid form, so they can begin melting the ice as soon as they are applied. As long as they are properly stored in a tightly sealed container, liquid de-icers remain consistent and they can retain their liquid form regardless of the temperature or the season.

• It comes with excellent release properties – High-quality liquid de-icers have release properties that can let aggregates release cleanly from the side of hoppers, trucks, and conveyor belts. They are applied after loading and make unloading easier as the product is not frozen into a large block. They are specially blended to ensure a minimum freezing point of -40 degrees Celsius.

• Specially formulated for coal – Some types of liquid de-icers are specifically designed to prevent aggregates like coal and petroleum coke from freezing to rail cars, conveyor systems, and truck boxes. These de-icers are versatile and are also used in airport runway applications and hydro-testing markets.

• Leaves no residue – Solid de-icers typically leave a powdery or oily residue, which can be hard to clean. A liquid de-icer is not likely to leave any stubborn residue, and if it does, it can serve as an anti-icing agent, too.

Liquid Deicers – How use them effectively

Those who live in cold regions like Canada are all too familiar how freezing conditions can negatively affect production, safety, and efficiency. Deicers or freeze conditioners are used extensively in many industries in these areas to reduce wastage and improve safety. Application to railcars and conveyor belts can mitigate concerns of material freezing to them, can melt paths and roadways, and can are used almost anywhere ice buildups become an issue.

Traditional compounds use salt-based products of different concentrations to deal the freezing issue. These products however can be harsh on the environment, so finding environmentally friendly options are important to most companies in today’s world. Potassium acetate and glycerin based products are both non-harmful to vegetation and are also non-corrosive to vehicles and are becoming a first choice for many in the industry.

Over the years, Deicers have been gradually shifting towards environmentally friendly compounds with less dependence on salt and sand mixtures; products like potassium acetate and glycerin Liquid Deicers have helped counter these environmental concerns while still providing effective and safe solutions for production in the winter months.

Guidelines for safe usage:

•    Excessive application can damage the surrounding vegetation. It is advised that you use the deicer’s as per your suppliers’ instructions

•    Select effective chemicals that don’t require large quantities to provide the needed effect

•    Avoid spilling deicer on the ground and be very careful around areas of vegetation

•    It is preferable to plant shrubs and trees with higher salt tolerance so they can better withstand the harmful effects of too much salt

•    Specialized spray systems can provide an even application to railcars and conveyor belts, ensure that the correct right spray width is implemented to prevent overspray

•    When applying, ensure automation system accounts for gaps (between rail cars) and stops – if you don’t have an automated system, ensure someone monitors it closely

•    Contact your supplier for tips as to how to maximize effectiveness and safely apply your product

Demulsify the Hydrocarbons with Rydall DD Industrial Degreaser

Rydall DD is a citrus-based industrial degreaser which is used to degrease all types of carbon based derivatives or hydrocarbons found in industrial plants or systems. The heavy-duty degreaser is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, and this makes it ideal for all industries. It is an alkali, water-soluble, non-phosphate, non-butyl and non-corrosive cleaner. Rydall DD comes in a highly concentrated form in standard sizes of 5-gallon jugs, 50-gallon drums, and 330-gallon totes.

Rydall DD has non-aggressive agents that demulsify light carbons. It breaks the oil bond that holds together the hydrocarbons that make up the foul residues. It washes the hydrocarbon particles from the surface of process equipment, flushing the demulsified particles off the fouled surfaces. It is also good for heavier hydrocarbons like tars, cokes, and varnishes. It breaks the oil bonds that hold the particles together, allowing them to be easily removed, restoring your equipment to its peak operating efficiency.

Rydall DD is an ideal product for heat exchangers, lube oil coolers, crank cases, machine parts and any other hydrocarbon based equipment. The product is used in various industrial sectors such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, automotive, power and steel.

The application of the Rydall DD solution differs slightly with various applications, but the fundamental factors behind its usage are the same. The product is used in a diluted format and heated to 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit before it is applied. It can also be used in normal ambient temperature levels in certain cases. One should be careful while using the solution. Rydall DD should never be used in concentrated form. The user should wear protective clothing while using the degreaser and eliminate the possibility of ignition occurring in the area. The user should also ventilate the whole area properly if it is being used near combustible materials.

Any chemical spills should be prevented from entering waterways and drains. The disposal of the material should only be done according to the prescribed local, state, provincial or federal measures and regulations. It can cause irritation, coughing and headaches in case of inhalation and the person should be exposed to free air immediately if this happens. If it comes in contact with the skin, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention, especially if the irritation does not stop.

For more information on Rydall DD de-greaser please see manufacturer's website, www.apexengineeringproducts.com

Advantages of Using Novasol-400 Paraffin Remover

Paraffin deposits commonly affect oil rigs and oil wells. Crude oil contains paraffin crystals that become solid after cooling. They turn into hard paraffin crystals and create several problems for the operations. It causes severe disruption in the drilling and pumping process. Paraffin often damages the equipment and narrows the oil flow passage. Initially, this problem is easily solved but later on, it can adversely affect the processes. It sometimes even blocks the pipes and tubes completely causing major disruptions. As a result, paraffin removers are an important part of the petrochemical industry.

There are several methods used to remove paraffin deposits from the walls of oil wells and other equipment. Scraping is one of them. It is highly effective during the initial stages of deposition. It involves using various tools that are designed to remove the deposits. Spraying hot water and dispersants is another technique that is frequently used.

Another highly popular and effective solution is Novasol-400. It is an all-in-one answer to  paraffin deposits and related problems. It works as a dispersant, solvent, crystal modifier, and an inhibitor. Novasol-400 is a versatile product and can be used in many situations. It is a far better option than any traditional product. It maintains the liquid form of paraffin for longer periods of time while inhibiting future deposits owing to its crystal modifying properties.

Novasol-400 contains a special blend of amines with aliphatic and aromatic compounds. Amines are responsible for the increased solvency of the product. Novasol-400 has a high saturation point - that means it can work effectively for longer periods of time. As long as the compound is present in the oil, its crystal modifier properties inhibit the deposition of paraffin and asphaltene. This results in cleaner oil wells and better efficiency in the processes.

Novasol-400 is a great product for removing paraffin and asphaltene deposits, but one should be careful while choosing such products, especially for large scale implementation. It is imperative to understand the nature of the chemical compounds that can be present in the oil and deposit. Proper research and analysis must be carried out before a decision is made.

Benefits of Using Potassium Acetate De-Icer

De-icing and anti-icing are crucial preventive measures for the smooth functioning of daily activities in the winter. People working in road safety, traffic management, import-export, airlines and travel sectors regularly rely on de-icers and anti-icers during the cold months to remove ice from the road and other surfaces.

In case of heavy snowfall or snowstorms, the snow aggregates on roads, pavement, cars, airplanes, rooftops, and runways, among others. Though the snow on rooftops does not cause much of a problem, the same cannot be said of the snow that piles up on roads, runaways, and pavement and freezes the surface. This can cause accidents while walking or driving. The risk is greater for the airline industry that needs ice-free airplane surfaces and runways before the planes can be allowed to fly. In industrial applications, the cold will freeze coal and other aggregates to the inside of the rail cars and conveyor belts that carry these products.

De-icing techniques are used in such cases to remove the ice and to prevent the coal or aggregates from freezing to the sides of the rail cars and conveyor systems. The de-icing measures include the application of various sophisticated chemicals that melt the ice or frost build up before it can impact the structure beneath. These chemicals include liquid potassium acetate, bio-based potassium acetate, glycol, glycol acetate, and sodium formate.

Among all these products, potassium acetate is one that is widely used for de-icing and anti-icing runways and airplanes. The compound has various characteristics that make it a worthwhile product for these purposes. For instance, it: 

•    Can work in extreme cold sub-zero temperatures

•    Has an unlimited storage life, which makes it one of the most used de-icers around the world

•    Is not as slippery as glycols and thus, can be used on roads and runways without any worry

•    Works longer than chemical and traditional methods like rock salts

•    Dries quickly and make the surface ready to use in no time

•    Is non-toxic and non-hazardous, and does not harm plant and animal life

•    Is free from urea and phosphates and has a low BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand). This implies that it requires a lesser amount of biological oxygen to degrade completely

•    Has been approved for de-icing of runways 

However, potassium acetate should be used carefully under expert supervision as it reacts violently with oxidizing agents like nitrates and chlorides. As such, it should be stored separately. Once careful attention has been given to its storage and application, potassium acetate can prove to be an extremely effective de-icer for anyone looking for such products.

Understanding the Role of Propylene Glycol Coolant in Industries

Propylene glycol (CH8O2) is a widely used antifreeze and cooling agent. It has a low freezing point and the ability to decrease freezing point of water. It provides burst protection and excellent heat transfer capabilities. Propylene glycol is widely used for making engine coolants. The reasons behind this are its low flammability and low mammalian toxicity. Further, its high boiling point and low vapor pressure make it safe and easy to use across industries.

A special quality of propylene glycol is that it preserves its flowing ability and does not rupture pipes or vessels even at freezing temperature. On an industry basis, it is primarily used as a transitional material in production of alkyd resins for paints and varnishes. It is also used in creating high performance, unsaturated resins for various end uses like:

•    Gel coatings
•    Sheet molding compounds
•    Reinforced plastic laminates used in marine construction
•    Synthetic marble castings

The compound is used for making many items including:

•    Coolants and antifreezes
•    Hydraulic and brake fluids
•    Heat transfer fluids
•    Resins
•    Paint and coatings
•    Unsaturated polyester
•    Urethanes

Propylene glycol remains one of the most widely used chemicals across the globe. For instance, it is extensively used in the cosmetics and personal care products industry. Propylene glycol enhances the appearance of the skin since it attracts water and has a viscous texture that helps it act as a moisturizer. Almost every cosmetic and lifestyle product such as bath soaps, shampoos, facial cleansers, etc. are formulated with the compound.

It is also used as a food additive as it is considered safe in marginal quantities. It is used in making beer, carbonated beverages, margarine, ice cream, dry cake mix, flavored coffees, etc. It is also used for retaining the moisture in prepared foods. In addition, it is used for flavoring and for food coloring ingredients. It is also used as an inactive ingredient in many drugs, including oral, parenteral and topical formulations. It is additionally used as a stabilizer for the vitamins.