Abstract
Unaccounted for solids deposition in oil and gas wells can significantly impact production rates and overall well performance. This study evaluates the impact of including a solid slow-release scale inhibitor in the stimulation package as it relates to production enhancement. While this study focuses on the Eagle Ford in LaSalle and McMullen Counties, correlations to similar formations can be made. The Eagle Ford shale is recognized as a prolific unconventional play that has very dynamic production challenges. Many issues can be experienced shortly into the life of the well, although observable scale does not manifest early on in many cases.
A major Eagle Ford operator saw a financial and operational benefit in establishing long-term scale treatment with a single application. The operator opted to use this solid inhibitor to extend the treatment life, to reduce subsequent intervention costs for solids removal, and to maintain proppant conductivity. Through the application of this solid chemical, the operator was able to place the inhibitor deep in the fractured formation before the first instances of pressure and temperature changes. The particle slowly releases the adsorbed scale inhibitor into the bulk water as it flows through the propped zone, providing immediate and long-term protection against solids deposition. Solids deposition can restrict production pathways through the proppant pack, contributing to loss of conductivity.
Through the use of empirical data, this paper describes the relationship between an increase in total dissolved solids in produced water to an increase in production when compared to untreated wells. Post-stimulation monitoring of treated and untreated wells show a substantial differential in water composition, indicating that when left untreated, solids are precipitating in unseen places like the proppant pack and perforations. The operator has been able to operate more efficiently and show an increase in production while saving valuable time and cost on scale remediation during the well's life.
While it is understood that there are multiple contributors affecting a well's production, mitigating solids deposition in the proppant pack plays a substantial role. Removing solids from the well can reduce damage to the proppant conductivity and result in production enhancement.
