Case Studies
Driving Quality, Service & Excellence Across Every Industry
At Apex Industrial Chemicals Limited, our culture of continuous improvement drives everything we do.
We’re dedicated to delivering high-quality specialty chemical solutions with the right support – wherever and whenever our clients need them.
Explore some of our recent projects that showcase our commitment to innovation, performance, and customer satisfaction across the Oil & Gas, Marine, and Energy sectors.
Seawater Cooler Maintenance
Sector: Marine & Offshore
Challenge: Seawater Cooler Blockage Due to Marine Growth
A leading offshore operator experienced severe fouling in the seawater cooling system caused by marine organisms such as crustacea and mollusca.
The inlet strainers were heavily blocked, significantly restricting flow and creating a critical reduction in cooling capacity.
Conventional HP jetting methods were considered, but the operator feared that the high pressure could damage the fine-mesh internal structure, risking contamination in downstream systems.
Solution: Marine Growth Removal with Lancer SRC
AIC proposed the use of Lancer SRC, a high-performance cleaning solution formulated to dissolve marine shells and disperse organic residues like protein matrices and algal slimes.
In collaboration with the appointed contractor, AIC developed a closed-loop circulation work-scope using a diluted Lancer SRC solution.
The mixture was circulated for just over six hours at ambient temperature, followed by a clean-water rinse to remove any residual contaminants.
Results & Benefits
Complete removal of marine shells and organic fouling.
Restored seawater flow rate to design capacity.
Prevented overheating in downstream systems.
Achieved safe, efficient cleaning without mechanical damage.
💡 Key Takeaway
The application of Lancer SRC provided a non-invasive, high-efficiency cleaning solution, extending equipment lifespan and maintaining critical cooling performance offshore.
Flow Assurance
Sector : Oil & Gas Production
Challenge: Severe Wax Deposition Hindering Pipeline Flow and Pigging Operations
A major Operator faced severe wax deposition in a North Sea transmission pipeline, causing significant blockages.
The wax build-up reached 39mm thickness in sections of the 8″ internal diameter line, particularly around the 5000m mark, with lesser deposits extending to 25,000m.
These deposits created major challenges in pigging operations, and previous cleaning attempts using diesel and condensate failed to restore normal flow.
Solution: WAX Deposit Removal with DEWAX RX
AIC introduced DEWAX RX, a highly effective chemical solution with exceptional dissolving, thinning, and dispersing properties across multiple wax compositions.
Laboratory testing using actual wax samples taken from the scraper pig confirmed superior dissolution efficiency of DEWAX RX.
To validate field performance, a trial deployment was executed. The test results showed clear evidence of wax softening and dispersion, prompting the Operator to move forward with a full-scale treatment.
Over five weeks, DEWAX RX was deployed in multiple pumped batches between production runs, ensuring consistent chemical action throughout the pipeline.
Results & Benefits:
Restored pipeline flow to optimal design capacity.
Enabled smooth pigging operations with reduced mechanical resistance.
Minimized downtime, increasing export efficiency.
Provided the Operator with a reliable, repeatable solution for future wax management programs.
💡 Key Takeaway:
The use of DEWAX RX demonstrated AIC’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainable maintenance practices – proving that smart chemistry can efficiently overcome complex flow assurance challenges.
Pre-Decommissioning Deoiling
Sector: Energy & Offshore
Challenge: Safe and Effective Decommissioning of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Flowlines
A major North Sea Operator required the decommissioning of five flowlines on a platform topside.
Before removal, the internals needed to be completely cleared of hydrocarbon residues to meet strict safety and environmental standards.
Due to the complex layout and restricted access, HP jetting was not a suitable or safe option.
Solutions: Oil-Freeing Flowlines with AIC CLEAN-UP DG-N
In collaboration with the contractor, AIC developed a non-intrusive, low-manning-level Work scope that leveraged AIC CLEAN-UP DG-N — a high-performance, non-flammable crude oil remover.
This powerful formulation effectively breaks down and disperses sludges, emulsions, and slops through chemical circulation, leaving internal metal surfaces clean and residue-free.
Additionally, CLEAN-UP DG-N has an excellent environmental profile – it’s Gold-band rated, free from SUB warnings, and safe for offshore use.
Following the cleaning cycle, a potable water flush confirmed residual hydrocarbons below 30ppm, ensuring complete compliance.
Results & Benefits:
Achieved full hydrocarbon removal within the scheduled time.
Completed safely with reduced manpower and no HP-jetting risk.
Environmentally responsible solution with verified offshore compliance.
Approved by the OIM, enabling immediate flowline removal.
💡 Key Takeaway:
The deployment of AIC CLEAN-UP DG-N demonstrated a safe, effective, and eco-conscious approach to pre-decommissioning operations – proving that chemical innovation can deliver both performance and environmental integrity.