First Saudi Aramco Flow Line Scale Inspection in Ghawar Field Using a Robust IR Technology Offers a Reliable and Cost-Effective Approach

摘要

This article demonstrates the successful utilization, for the first time in Saudi Aramco's history, of infrared (IR) technology to detect scale adhesion to surface flow lines in the Ghawar field. As part of the Saudi Aramco asset integrity program, several field case studies are presented, highlighting a comprehensive evaluation of the technology and tool concept, field test results and equipment utilization guidelines. IR spectroscopy offers a means to study the interaction of IR light with matter to identify unknown material, which in this case is scale accumulation inside surface production lines. Proof of concept tests were conducted in the field by visiting several wells and utilizing a thermal "infrared" gun pointed toward the production lines to observe the thermal transmission signature through different materials. All tests were conducted in conjunction with actual flow line dismantling to confirm the findings of the IR guns with respect to scale accumulation. The results from these field tests have confirmed that IR technology offers a robust, noninvasive and cost-effective approach to massive scale detection when compared to the existing practice of flow line dismantling. Comparing the thermal temperature profile of a healthy production line (base case) to those recorded from other lines has revealed that scale accumulation inside flow lines is associated with thermal signatures very different from that of the base case, indicating the presence of unknown materials in addition to production fluid and flow line material. It was found that scale buildup is generally linked to a dramatic decrease in the flow line and production manifold temperature. Temperature anomalies were shown to also be related to scale and/or debris accumulation. This technology provides a smart and efficient tool for an asset integrity monitoring program. Scale accumulation has represented a great challenge for the petroleum industry to overcome and mitigate. It is linked to significant production decline and may lead to flow line blockage.