Good design cuts costs on high-pressure flood

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1970 · World Oil; (United States)

OSTI ID:5918895

Jemmott, G L

Shell Oil Co. is successfully operating a 60,000 bwpd, 4,000 psi waterflood in Ventura field, California. The injection cost has averaged 2.0 cents per bbl for 50 million bbl injected. Altogether, 45 deep zone injectors (12,000 ft) are supplied with a special blended water consisting of produced brine and supplemental fresh water. A total of 11 water-quality tests are run continuously or daily, and automatic filtration units maintain solids content below a critical 0.5 ppm. The major design features of this flood system, which is now maintaining oil production at rates of 5,500 bopd above primary, are as follows: (1) a blended water supply using 75% fresh and 25% produced water with 5 chemical applications and special preinjection well treatment to prevent clay swelling; (2) eight diatomaceous earth filters which automatically self-clean, monitor flow rates, and maintain low solids limits; (3) completely lined tank and piping system to minimize corrosion and well damage from iron precipitation; (4) eight, 625-hp gas engine and vertical positive- displacement pump units for high pressure operation with efficient water usage flexibility; and (5) reliable automation and telemetering control for unattended operation and daily printout of injection rates and system performance.

• Research Organization: Shell Oil Co
• OSTI ID: 5918895
• Journal Information: World Oil; (United States), Journal Name: World Oil; (United States) Vol. 171:7; ISSN WOOIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CALIFORNIA
COMMUNICATIONS
CONTROL
CORROSION PROTECTION
DATA TRANSMISSION
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
FLUID INJECTION
INDUSTRY
INJECTION WELLS
NORTH AMERICA
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
PRODUCTION
PUMPS
REMOTE CONTROL
USA
WATERFLOODING
WELLS
WESTERN REGION