The Clean Up of Asphaltene Deposits in Oil Wells

Abstract

Asphaltene is deposited in all of the petroleum production systems. Normally, wellbore soaking by xylene with bullheading or coiled tubing is conducted to remove these plugs from a production system. However, these operations are frequent and asphaltene continues to deposit shortly thereafter. This article reviews the deposition of asphaltene in petroleum production systems and discusses technical challenges and health, safety, and environmental issues related to the cleanup of asphaltene in oil wells.