Diethylenetriaminepentatakis(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) is commonly used in oilfield for scale inhibition. In this study, Ca-DTPMP submicron-sized particles were prepared directly by chemical precipitation with the assistance of phosphino-polycarboxylic acid (PPCA). The influences of adsorbed PPCA, KCl concentration and sonication on the transport and deposition kinetics of Ca-DTPMP particle suspensions in calcite and sandstone matrix were investigated. Adsorption of PPCA to Ca-DTPMP particles increases their negative surface charge and decreases particles deposition in a porous media. The mobility of PPCA-coated Ca-DTPMP particles decreases with increasing KCl concentrations. Using sonication treatments the mobility of Ca-DTPMP particles at high KCl concentration in porous media increased significantly. The retention and long term flow back performance of Ca-DTPMP particles were tested in Frio sandstone columns after 18 hours shut-in time to allow deposition. The results show that enhanced retention of Ca-DTPMP particles and slow dissolution of DTPMP are highly advantageous in slowing the phosphonate release from porous media, and ensuring successful inhibitor treatments in oil fields.

Keywords:
wax remediation, oilfield chemistry, scale remediation, Production Chemistry, Upstream Oil & Gas, scale inhibition, KCl concentration, paraffin remediation, wax inhibition, asphaltene remediation
Subjects:
Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Inhibition and remediation of hydrates, scale, paraffin / wax and asphaltene, Flow in porous media
Copyright 2008, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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