Patent ID: 7216712
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: C09K

Abstract:
1. A method for removing hydrocarbon solids from an oil well comprising (a) feeding into an oil well having hydrocarbon solids therein a feed composition comprising at least 40 vol. % dense phase carbon dioxide and at least 30 vol. % of alkanol selected from the group consisting of alkanols containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, and optionally one or more surfactants, under a pressure of 300 to 10,000 psia and a temperature of 90° F. to 120° F., (b) allowing the feed composition to remain in the well, whereby hydrocarbon solids in the well solubilize with said composition, and then (c) removing from said well a liquid product composition comprising said solubilized hydrocarbon solids and said alkanol.