Precipitation Squeeze and the Use of Modeling to Maintain Production and Extend Squeeze Life Time for Marginal Wells

摘要

Scale inhibitor squeezes are used to prevent or control scale formation in producing wells. Most studies focus on the challenges and impacts of executing squeezes in difficult environments like those found offshore in the North Sea. However, squeeze studies on land-based wells with economic challenges can also be rewarding. In difficult economic environments service companies are actively involved in developing pilot squeeze programs to increase or sustain production from marginal wells. Results from these pilot squeezes must be justified economically if the programs are to be extended to other wells or fields. This paper demonstrates how the use of additives, the forced precipitation technique and sophisticated scale modeling programs can be successfully applied to wells that are economically marginal. The example is a two-zone, forced precipitation squeeze using additives for both pre-flush and overflush packages. Following the successful application of the squeeze package, the resulting squeeze life for this well is 12 months. Average oil production from both zones for the 12 months after the squeeze is much higher than the production for the preceding 12 months. There is no evidence of formation damage in either zone. Squeeze modeling is used to simulate and optimize this squeeze to determine if the squeeze life can be extended further. This paper illustrates a successful field squeeze using additives in a forced precipitation squeeze which resulted in improved oil production and extended squeeze lifetime in a marginal well.