GE Introduces New Wax Inhibitor For Uninterrupted Hydrocarbon Flow

• GE ProSolv Wax Inhibitor Provides Cost-Effective Chemistry Options for Flow Assurance

GE recently introduced a new range of wax inhibitors designed to help oil and gas producers ensure uninterrupted flow of crude oil.

The GE ProSolv Wax Inhibitor provides a consistent flow of hydrocarbon streams from the reservoir to the point of sale. GE’s new chemistry for wax blockages is a cost-effective alternative to currently available technologies. It is based on characterization of the production fluids and environment and works in a variety of waxy crudes. It also significantly reduces the precipitation and deposition of wax at temperatures below the untreated wax appearance temperature.

In the oil and gas industry, deep water fields with long step outs and surface pipelines in exposed locations have been experiencing operational issues related to the deposition of wax, which increases pressure drop, reduces production rate, increases pumping costs and results in downtime for pigging and cleaning operations. Currently available technologies for wax inhibition include hot oil, direct electrical heating and pipe-in-pipe dry insulation, all of which add to the complexity and cost of the subsea system. However, GE’s new wax inhibitor is a cost-effective alternative that reduces capital and installation costs and improves return on investment.

GE’s new ProSolv Wax Inhibitor chemistry is pertinent in any oil field experiencing operational issues due to the formation of waxes or viscous gels. It is especially useful in Brazil, West Africa, the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and onshore pipelines carrying challenging fluids in harsh environments such as Vaca Muerta, Argentina.

GE is a leader in the oil and gas, refining and hydrocarbon processing industries, helping to minimize corrosion, reduce fouling, save energy, reuse water and minimize downtime.

“GE is committed to developing oilfield production chemicals that will optimize production and flow assurance. Our latest ProSolv Wax Inhibitor range was designed to protect crude oil and gas pipelines while ultimately decreasing overall operating and capital expenses and increasing production,” said Kevin Cassidy, chemical and monitoring solutions general manager—water and process technologies for GE Power & Water.

GE's new wax inhibitors are available for trial applications and pilot testing. The chemistry will work with GE's Insight Knowledge Management platform for remote monitoring to further optimize flow control.

This news, released at the 2015 Offshore Technology Conference, exemplifies GE’s industry-leading technology solutions for the offshore oil and gas industry. Its commitment to operational excellence, local partnerships, capabilities building and sustainable technology solutions is designed to provide maximum value to customers, especially during challenging times. Please visit the GE OTC landing page (https://www.geoilandgas.com/otc) for videos, live updates, expert presentations and innovation deep dives.

About GE
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About GE Power & Water
GE Power & Water provides customers with a broad array of power generation, energy delivery and water process technologies to solve their challenges locally. Power & Water works in all areas of the energy industry including renewable resources such as wind and solar; biogas and alternative fuels; and coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy. The business also develops advanced technologies to help solve the world’s most complex challenges related to water availability and quality. Power & Water’s six business units include Distributed Power, Nuclear Energy, Power Generation Products, Power Generation Services, Renewable Energy and Water & Process Technologies. Headquartered in Schenectady, N.Y., Power & Water is GE’s largest industrial business.