Well Stimulation Using a Solid, Proppant-Sized, Paraffin Inhibitor to Reduce Costs and Increase Production for a South Texas, Eagle Ford Shale Oil Operator

摘要

An US Eagle Ford Shale operator experienced downhole paraffin deposition in recently completed shale oil wells. The deposition occurred in the tubulars and in the flow lines. To control deposition the operator added to the fracture a proppant-like, slow-release particle onto which a paraffin inhibitor had been adsorbed. The particle is designed to slowly release the adsorbed paraffin inhibitor into the bulk oil as it flows through the propped zone and to inhibit paraffin deposition. Horizontal, multi-stage hydraulic fractures are becoming the standard stimulation practice in the oil bearing shale oil fields in the US. This operator saw a financial and operational benefit in establishing long-term paraffin treatment with a single application. The operator opted to use this solid inhibitor to extend the treatment life and to reduce subsequent intervention costs for paraffin removal. The prior practice in this field was to complete the wells and then to apply a paraffin treatment and remediation program as necessary. In the offset wells to which the solid product was compared the operator normally saw paraffin deposition after approximately three months of production. The operator selected seventeen wells for completion using the solid paraffin inhibitor. After ten months of production, for the first wells treated, the operator has noted no paraffin related issues. Paraffin can deposit in the formation, near well bore, tubulars and surface facilities when the thermodynamic conditions favor deposition in order for the fluid to re-establish equilibrium. Wax deposition reduces production and increases operational expense. By incorporating a slow-releasing, solid, paraffin inhibitor-infused particle into the proppant stages of the hydraulic fracture the operator realized reduced intervention expense without adding significant cost to the fracture.