Control of formation damage at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, by inhibitor squeeze treatment

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/12472-PA· OSTI ID:6414199

Meyers, K O; Herring, G D; Skillman, H L

A substantial number of wells in the Prudhoe Bay field have been damaged by the deposition of calcium carbonate (CaCO/sub 3/) scale in the perforation tunnels and the nearwellbore formation sandstone. Inhibitor squeeze treatments have prevented this scale damage and the capacity loss resulting from it. Wells that had monthly decline rates greater than 10% before treatment have maintained their maximum capacity for more than 1 year. In some wells, treatment lives greater than 2 years have been obtained. This paper summarizes the laboratory design and field implementation of inhibitor squeeze treatments at the Prudhoe Bay field. First, the history, mechanisms, and extent of the formation damage problem are reviewed. Next, the laboratory and field tests used to screen inhibitors and to design the squeeze treatments are detailed. Finally, the history and success of the treatments in the field are discussed.

• Research Organization: ARCO Resources Technology
• OSTI ID: 6414199
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 37:7; ISSN JPTJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ALASKA
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ARCTIC OCEAN
BAYS
BEAUFORT SEA
CALCIUM CARBONATES
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONATES
CONTROL
CORROSION INHIBITORS
CORROSION PROTECTION
FEDERAL REGION X
FIELD TESTS
FORMATION DAMAGE
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
OIL FIELDS
OIL WELLS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PRUDHOE BAY
RESOURCES
ROCK-FLUID INTERACTIONS
ROCKS
SANDSTONES
SCALE CONTROL
SCALING
SEAS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
STIMULATION
SURFACE WATERS
TESTING
USA
WELL SERVICING
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS