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Aramco to use seawater for the Saudi pressure maintenance

Journal Article · · World Oil; (United States)
OSTI ID:6798880

The Arabian American Oil Co. (Aramco) has been operating the world's largest powered water injection project in Saudi Arabia using saline water pumped mostly from the Wasia Formation, a massive aquifer underlying most of the E. Arabian peninsula. Concern about the effect of large withdrawal rates on aquifer pressure (Wasia water becomes fresh and is used for agricultural irrigation south of the oil-producing area) now has prompted Aramco to convert its primary water source to the Arabian Gulf. Seawater injection ultimately may reach 15 million bpd. Initially, 4.2 million bpd will be injected into the central portion of Ghwar field, the largest oil field ever discovered. The route of sea water to the injection area is illustrated by a pipeline map. This study discusses some of the unusual process and equipment innovations incorporated in the project to acquire high quality seawater for injection.

Research Organization:
Arabian American Oil Co.
OSTI ID:
6798880
Journal Information:
World Oil; (United States), Journal Name: World Oil; (United States) Vol. 183:6; ISSN WOOIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English