The Problem
If waxy oils in produced fluid cool below their Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT), wax deposits will form in the tubulars. If untreated these can cause;
■ Restricted flow.
■ Reduce pump efficiency.
■ Artificial lift damage/downtime.
■ Complete loss of production.
■ Loss of revenue.
![Flow assurance picture 1 hole in a bucket of dried concrete on top of circular rusted metal](https://www.cavitas.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Flow-assurance-picture-1.jpg)
![THOR diagram temperature differences of long vertical metal rod underneath a hole in the ground](https://www.cavitas.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/THOR-diagram.jpg)
THOR as a Solution
A THOR system attached to the production tubing and placed below the artificial lift pump would keep the produced fluid warm and above WAT, giving the following benefits;
■ Targeted heating of fluid to + 5-10oC [ 9-18 oF] above WAT.
■ Lower fluid viscosity / Increase pump efficiency.
■ Remove / delay requirement for pump retrieval/remediation.
■ Increase production.
■ All in a small, high efficiency package with a low energy requirement.