Molecular Characteristics of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) in Waxy Crude as Flow Improver

Abstract

Mitigation of wax deposition is of major interest, especially in the oil and gas industry, to minimize the flow assurance and production problems. In view of financial savings, the currently established method still has more opportunities to improve, particularly in a green technology sector in compliance with a stringent environmental policy. Therefore, a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative method is required in handling waxy crude oil. This paper describes the investigation of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) as a waxy crude oil flow improver via changes in wax particles' growth and aggregation rate through molecular dynamics simulation using Biovia Materials Studio.