Review on Radial Properties of Wax Deposits in Crude Oil Pipelines: Mechanism, Experiment, Property Variation, and Prediction

Wax deposition in wells and long-distance pipelines is a significant issue, leading to a reduced flow area, increased system pressure, and higher flow resistance. In extreme cases, it can cause complete pipeline blockage, posing serious risks to crude oil production and transportation. As a result, wax deposition has long been a central focus of petroleum research, particularly the radial characteristics of wax deposits. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest research on the radial properties of wax deposits, focusing on key aspects such as influencing mechanisms, experimental setups, sampling methods, physicochemical property variations, and predictive models. It systematically evaluates the primary technical approaches and findings in this field, highlighting key achievements, current challenges, and potential future research focuses. This review aims to offer readers a clear understanding of the methodologies employed, common challenges, established conclusions, and ongoing debates while providing valuable insights for advancing research on the radial properties of wax deposits.