Background
A gas-lift assisted multiphase oil well in the Gulf of Mexico was experiencing performance issues due to paraffin wax build-up within the tubing and pipeline. FloWell was applied via the annulus and injected continuously into the gas stream as a preventative treatment. During a temporary maintenance-related shutdown, the gas injection—and therefore FloWell—continued under pressure.
Success
Upon restarting, engineers observed a 30% reduction in both produced water and gas, replaced by a proportional increase in oil output—delighting the client. Investigation revealed that FloWell had entered the formation during the shut-in, aiding oil recovery by displacing entrained water and gas. Though not practical as a regular method, this accidental application demonstrated FloWell's unique ability to improve production by altering phase separation within the reservoir.
Challenge
A major oil operator in Ukraine faced persistent wax blockages in a 2km flowline, causing frequent shutdowns and limiting output to just 12 BOPD. After the well ceased production entirely, FloWell Treated Oil (FWTO) was deployed as a last effort to clean the line—without expectations of restoring flow.
Application & Result
FWTO was injected via gas lift in freezing conditions (-15°C). Though the injection was shorter than planned, within hours FloWell had dislodged over 5m³ of wax and debris, fully clearing the flowline. Remarkably, by the next morning, the well had restarted—producing 21 BOPD, nearly double its prior output.
Key Takeaways
Background
A 32km Gulf of Mexico export pipeline was severely restricted due to paraffin wax and asphaltene build-up, made worse by cold seabed temperatures and inconsistent pumping. FloWell was injected upstream of the export pumps to dissolve existing deposits and passivate the pipe walls to prevent reformation.
Results
Within 57 days, flow rates increased by 35%, rising from 320 to 408 BOPH on average—with peaks of 600 BOPH—while operating well below maximum pressure limits. Pipeline diameter visibly improved, and downtime was reduced significantly.
Optimisation & Long-Term Impact
After initial gains, dosage was adjusted to 150–200 PPM for maintenance, reducing product use by up to 70% while continuing to clean the line at a steady rate. A 14-day cycle strategy, with two-day pauses, helped flush released wax efficiently. Overall, FloWell enabled an additional 1,000 BOPD and stabilised performance in a pipeline previously considered at capacity.