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Clay stabilizers improve EOR injection rates

Journal Article · · Oil Gas J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5206037

In laboratory and field tests, Halliburton Services has used cationic organic polymers to help prevent clay swelling and fines migration. Improved injection rates for waterflooding and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects have resulted from clay stabilization by adsorption of polymers onto clay particles. The rate of oil production from EOR and waterflooding projects is related to the rate of aqueous fluid injection. Failure of one or more wells to accept injection at the scheduled rates can reduce the rate of oil production and distort the pattern of fluid movement within the reservoir such that the ultimate oil recovery could also be decreased. Poor injectivity can be due to one or more of the following: Formation damage due to clay swelling and fines migration; Plugging of the face of the formation by solids in drilling, completion, or injection fluids; Scale formation due to incompatibility of formation and injection waters; Casing and tubing corrosion; Bacterial growth; and In situ formation of precipitates caused by an improperly designed acid stimulation. Properly designed remedial well treatment and adequate filtration of injection fluids performed early in the life of the project will help prevent permeability damage due to all of the above causes except clay swelling and fines migration.

Research Organization:
Halliburton Services Research Ctr. Duncan, OK
OSTI ID:
5206037
Journal Information:
Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 82:37; ISSN OIGJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English