Flow assurance involves the simultaneous transport of oil, gas, water and atimes sand particles in the same pipeline from the reservoir to the processing plant. Some of the technical challenges resulting from this process are highlighted below

Deposition of wax in reservoir pore space or surface flow pipelines causes flow disruption and restriction. Wax deposits may vary from soft to hard and from yellow to black. Wax generally has high paraffin content, high pour point and high carbon content.

Sand production from the formation has potential to block flow paths and damage production systems like tubings and pipelines through erosional process.

Parafin/Asphaltene deposition causes mechanical problems with the potential to disrupt productivity through flow restriction.

Hydrates pose potential threat to the flow of oil and gas in production pipelines. They are icelike in nature and composed of water and gas molecules.

Mineral scale build-up in the formation and flow pipelines is a major flow assurance issue associated with oil and gas production system. Ability to control scale build-up effectively in deepwater development can determine the economic viability of the field.