Did You Know - Ecoserv Steam Generation for Degassing Vessels

Ecoserv was not only the first company to introduce steam generation to the Gulf of Mexico as a means of degassing vessels, but also owns and maintains the largest fleet of mobile steam boilers in the GOM.

Steam Generation Facts

Hydrocarbons are removed from vessels at 180° F
Ecoserv Steam Generators produce dry steam which greatly reduces waste water from operation
Steam temperature is proportional to pressure

Ecoserv Fleet Specs

80 – 100 psi
324°F – 338° F
1000 – 1600 lbs. of steam per hour
Will heat a typical separator (48” x 20’) to 180° F in less than 2 hours

Paraffin Removal from Pipelines

50’ Pipeline Riser & Decommission Pipeline

This 50’ Pipeline Riser was cleaned at Acadian Contractors. The during and after photos illustrate the visual difference between a riser with paraffin and a riser after the completion of the steam generation process. The paraffin pictures are what was removed from 1 pipeline riser. All paraffin was contained in cutting boxes. The pipe is set at an 10°-15° angle which allows the paraffin to flow thru the pipe and into the cutting box. The steam is injected on the high end of the
pipe and waste is released at the low end of the pipe.

Case Study

Customer Challenge

Ecoserv was recently challenged by a customer to remove accumulated paraffin from 3 process systems on one of their facilities. Liquid handling equipment was performing at less than 50% rated volumes and well flowing tubing pressure exhibited back pressure due to restricted piping. The customer required that waste be minimized and confined space entry be avoided. Ecoserv surveyed the facility, created a unique procedure, and fabricated specialty equipment required.

Results

A high volume steam generator was employed to melt paraffin and a vacuum system directed the injected dry steam to low point takeoffs and removed wastes to containers, generating minimal waste water.
Two 6” x 60ft and one 4” x 60ft header logs were found restricted to less than 1” ID
125 bbls of paraffin were recovered from the test and 2 LP systems. No confined space entry was required.
Job was completed incident-free
Customer reports that, although all well test data has not yet been compiled, process upsets have decreased dramatically and system pressures and tubing pressures have decreased.