New solutions to an old problem: calcium sulfate deposition in the Permian Basin

Journal Article · · Baroid News Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6272655

Stone, J D

Scale deposits in producing oil wells and equipment are a serious problem in many areas of the country. There are 3 principal types of scale that are particularly troublesome--calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and barium sulfate. Calcium sulfate scale is predominant in many areas, particularly in the Permian basin of West Texas. Some operators in the West Texas area report growth of calcium sulfate scale to the extent that within 21 days of time a well was cleaned out and put on production, crystals completely bridged the producing formation, shutting off the flow of oil. It is not uncommon in the Permian basin for the scale to grow and shut off flow within 4 to 6 months. To correct this condition, a workover is sometimes required. Baroid's SURFLO-H35 and SURFLO-H36 scale inhibitors are now being used by a number of operators in West Texas to minimize scale deposits. The mechanics of the SURFLO-H35 squeeze are relatively simple. One drum (55 gal) of SURFLO-H35 is mixed with 25-50 bbl of fresh water containing 1% by volume surfactant. This chemical-water mixture is spotted at the producing zone of the well with water, then slowly squeezed into the formation with a pump truck. Then 50-100 bbl of produced water overflush is used to displace the treatment into the formation.

• OSTI ID: 6272655
• Journal Information: Baroid News Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Baroid News Bull.; (United States) Vol. 18:1; ISSN BNBUD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
BARIUM COMPOUNDS
BARIUM SULFATES
CALCIUM CARBONATES
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
CALCIUM SULFATES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONATES
DESCALING
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
NORTH AMERICA
OIL WELLS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM
SCALING
SOUTHWEST REGION
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACE FINISHING
TEXAS
USA
WELLS