| abstract |
A method for removing paraffin from a producing oil well comprising (a) contacting a mixture of a paraffin-dispersing effective amount of an alkyl or aralkyl polyoxyalkylene phosphate ester surfactant in the free acid form, or in the form of the alkali metal, amine, or ammonium salt, a mutual solvent and water, said mixture having a temperature of from about 30 DEG to 40 DEG F. higher than the melting point of the paraffin to be removed, with the interior of the oil well for a period of time sufficient to disperse paraffin within the well into the mixture; and (b)removing the mixture and the paraffin dispersed therein from the interior of the well. |