Multifunctional anti-wax coatings for paraffin control in oil pipelines

Paraffin deposition is a severe global problem during crude oil production and transportation. To inhibit the formation of paraffin deposits, the commonly used methods are mechanical cleaning, coating the pipe to provide a smooth surface and reduce paraffin adhesion, electric heating, ultrasonic and microbial treatments, the use of paraffin inhibitors, etc. Pipeline coatings not only have the advantages of simple preparation and broad applications, but also maintain a long-term efficient and stable effect. In recent years, important progress has been made in research on pipe coatings for mitigating and preventing paraffin deposition. Several novel superhydrophilic organogel coatings with low surface energy were successfully prepared by bionic design. This paper reviews different types of coatings for inhibiting wax deposition in the petroleum industry. The research prospects and directions of this rapidly developing field are also briefly discussed.