Abstract:
Wax deposition is a well-understood challenge in oil-dominated production systems, supported by decades of laboratory testing, modeling, and field experience. In gas condensate systems, however, wax risk is frequently dismissed early in development due to low liquid volumes, limited fluid sampling, and assumptions rooted in bulk fluid composition. This presentation examines why conventional approaches to wax risk screening can fall short for gas condensate fields, particularly as reservoir and fluid conditions evolve over the life of a development. Through a combination of thermodynamic analysis and field observations, the discussion highlights how changes in produced fluid character over time can shift the wax deposition risk profile in ways that are not captured by traditional early-life assessments. The talk will also address practical considerations for designing mitigation strategies under uncertainty, including a tiered approach to primary, secondary, and tertiary intervention methods. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that drive wax risk in gas condensate systems and a framework for evaluating that risk across the full production lifecycle.
Bio:
Andrew Yule is a co-founder and managing partner of Pontem Analytics, a global consulting company in the energy industry specializing in combining domain expertise with data-driven solutions. Andrew has 15 years of experience in the energy industry, where he has contributed to a diverse range of projects spanning both offshore and onshore. He has been a member of SPE since he began his career in 2011 and is currently a contributor for SPE’s The Way Ahead magazine as well as a board member for the Fort Worth SPE chapter. His technical background includes a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a master’s degree in data science from Southern Methodist University.