Abstract:
Methods are provided for facilitating the production of petroleum containing waxes and/or bitumens from oil wells by introducing into the petroleum in the well one or more thiocarbonate compounds in amounts sufficient to increase the solubility of wax and/or bitumens in the petroleum and/or dissolve waxy and/or bituminous deposits within the well. These methods are also useful for increasing the solubility of waxes and bitumens in petroleum and other partially or completely refined hydrocarbon fractions and for preventing the formation of or promoting the dissolution of deposits in processing, transport and storage facilities. Compositions useful in such methods are also provided.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for facilitating the production of petroleum containing waxes and/or bitumens from oil wells by introducing into the petroleum in the well one or more thiocarbonate compounds in amounts sufficient to increase the solubility of wax and/or bitumens in the petroleum and/or dissolve waxy and/or bituminous deposits within the well. These methods are also useful for increasing the solubility of waxes and bitumens in petroleum and other partially or completely refined hydrocarbon fractions and for preventing the formation of or promoting the dissolution of deposits in processing, transport and storage facilities. Compositions useful in such methods are also provided.