Evaluation of downhole electric impedance heating systems for paraffin control in oil wells

Paraffin deposition in oil wells is a problem frequently encountered in the oil industry. Conventional methods, such as hot oiling, chemical injection, or using scrapers, have not always been successful and cost effective. New approaches based on electrical impedance heating offer a practical alternative to conventional methods. Three approaches using such technology are examined. An evaluation of a pilot oil well installation using the latest impedance heating technology is presented. A method of calculating skin effect and hysteresis is described