Soon after start-up of the Prudhoe Bay Field in mid-1977, a number of wells with abnormal productivity decline were recognized. Research into the problem was undertaken as a coordinated effort of the Prudhoe Bay Unit Owners involving engineering, laboratory and geological studies concurrent with an extensive field work program. Investigations over the past three years have defined a major damage mechanism and efforts are continuing toward solutions for effective long-term production capacity maintenance.

Keywords:
asphaltene inhibition, acid, hydrate inhibition, remediation of hydrates, completion installation and operations, sadlerochit, effectiveness, production chemistry, investigation, paraffin remediation
Subjects:
Drilling Fluids and Materials, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Formation Evaluation & Management, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties), Perforating, Acidizing, Inhibition and remediation of hydrates, scale, paraffin / wax and asphaltene, Flow in porous media
Copyright 1982, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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