| name | neqsim-wax-margin-check |
| calculation_basis | screening |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| description | Educational wax operating-margin screening placeholder with public assumptions. USE WHEN: a task needs a quick check of whether an operating point keeps a safe temperature margin above a wax appearance temperature and should be directed to validated NeqSim methods for real calculations. |
| last_verified | 2026-05-31 |
| requires | {"python_packages":[],"java_packages":[],"env":[],"network":[]} |
Wax Margin Check
Use this skill for a quick, public check of whether a process or pipeline operating point keeps a temperature margin above a known wax appearance temperature (WAT). It is intentionally simple and should guide users toward validated NeqSim wax calculations for real work.
When to Use
- When a user asks whether an operating temperature stays clear of the wax deposition region.
- When a validated NeqSim wax appearance temperature or a public lab WAT is already available.
- When an agent should explain that validated NeqSim methods are required for real wax prediction and deposition design.
Inputs
operating_temperature: operating temperature in C.
wax_appearance_temperature: wax appearance temperature in C from a validated NeqSim calculation or public lab measurement.
min_margin: configurable minimum acceptable margin in C (constructor, default 5.0).
Outputs
wax_margin_c: operating temperature minus the wax appearance temperature in C.
below_wax_appearance: whether the operating point is at or below the wax appearance temperature.
margin_warning: ok, watch, or high.
neqsim_available: whether the optional NeqSim package is importable.
assumptions: public assumptions and required follow-up.
Engineering Method
The placeholder method computes the wax margin as operating_temperature - wax_appearance_temperature. A non-positive margin means the operating point is at or below the wax appearance temperature and is flagged high. A small positive margin below min_margin is flagged watch. A larger margin is flagged ok.
This is not a wax thermodynamic or deposition model. The wax appearance temperature must come from a validated NeqSim wax calculation or a public lab measurement with a defined fluid composition and operating envelope.
Python Usage Pattern
from wax_margin_check import WaxMarginModel
model = WaxMarginModel(min_margin=5.0)
result = model.evaluate(
operating_temperature=33.0,
wax_appearance_temperature=30.0,
)
print(result.wax_margin_c)
print(result.margin_warning)
print(result.assumptions)
If the optional neqsim Python package is available, the result records that fact so an agent can recommend moving to validated NeqSim wax workflows. If not, the example still runs with fallback placeholder logic.
Validation Checklist
Common Mistakes
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|
| Margin looks safe but wax still deposits | Wax appearance temperature was guessed | Use a validated NeqSim wax appearance temperature or public lab WAT |
| Margin warning never triggers | min_margin set too low | Use a service-appropriate operating margin and confirm with flow assurance review |
| Missing composition effect | Crude composition was not included in the NeqSim basis | Provide the composition to NeqSim and recompute the wax appearance temperature |
Limitations
- No wax phase equilibrium or deposition calculation is performed in this skill.
- No composition, shear, ageing, pour-point, or transient effects are included.
- No proprietary wax models or company operating limits are included.
- Not suitable for flow assurance design, pigging strategy, or operating-limit decisions.
Related NeqSim Functionality
This educational screening corresponds to validated, rigorous functionality in the NeqSim Java library that a qualified engineer should use for design-grade work:
neqsim.thermo.system.SystemInterface#addWaxModel() — solid wax-phase characterisation for the fluid.
neqsim.thermodynamicoperations.ThermodynamicOperations#calcWAT() — rigorous wax appearance temperature.
In Python the same classes are reachable through the neqsim package (for example from neqsim import jneqsim).
References