2007: The objective of this project was to cleanout a plugged sealine linking two plateforms. We proposed a solution to clean out the asphaltenes from the pipeline and due to this is a non-conventional application several considerations were taken into account during the planning-engineering phase and during the operation.
Very few operations of this kind have been performed and the geographical restrictions on this field have made this project unique. We could eventually put back into production all the HP wells stopped for several years. The production increase of the field has been 1200 bopd (2075 bfpd was passing through the sealine after operation).
We used a complete set of clean up equipment that was installed in a supply boat anchored at one of the platform. The project duration was 12-15 weeks including the preparation, I was in charge of the execution of the project.
A publication in the Journal of Petroleum Technology has been issued using project.