Abstract: A self-breaking, foamed, oil-in-water emulsion contains a water-immiscible organic solvent for paraffins and asphaltenes, an aqueous nonformation-damaging component, an inert gas, and surface active agents selected to promote a stable foamed emulsion despite contact of the treating fluid with the hydrocarbon and aqueous environment in the reservoir. Under conditions of agitation, the treating fluid is a stable foamed emulsion which undergoes spontaneous breakdown into two liquid phases under quiescent conditions. The treating fluid is injected and/or circulated as a stable foamed emulsion to dissolve paraffin and asphaltene-containing deposits from various substrata, such as a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a well, the well itself, or an industrial vessel or conduit. When injection or circulation is stopped, the foamed emulsion spontaneously breaks down so that the treating fluid can be readily pumped from the well.

Abstract: A self-breaking, foamed, oil-in-water emulsion contains a water-immiscible organic solvent for paraffins and asphaltenes, an aqueous nonformation-damaging component, an inert gas, and surface active agents selected to promote a stable foamed emulsion despite contact of the treating fluid with the hydrocarbon and aqueous environment in the reservoir. Under conditions of agitation, the treating fluid is a stable foamed emulsion which undergoes spontaneous breakdown into two liquid phases under quiescent conditions. The treating fluid is injected and/or circulated as a stable foamed emulsion to dissolve paraffin and asphaltene-containing deposits from various substrata, such as a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a well, the well itself, or an industrial vessel or conduit. When injection or circulation is stopped, the foamed emulsion spontaneously breaks down so that the treating fluid can be readily pumped from the well.