Abstract
This paper will highlight the effectiveness of a novel, environmentally friendly multifunctional polymeric scale inhibitor that inhibits carbonate and sulfate scales as well as halite.
The deposition of halite in the oilfield can present a challenge for operators in fields with high TDS brines. The large amounts of halite that can deposit in a short amount of time can lead to reduced production as well as a costly and logistically cumbersome remediation. A customer was controlling halite deposition by injecting a low salinity water source to dilute/dissolve the deposits. However, this remedial solution also presented an additional problem to the customer as the injection of the fresh water source led to calcium carbonate deposition due to brine incompatibility.
This paper will present laboratory test results which highlight the effectiveness of this novel multifunctional scale inhibitor against halite, carbonate and sulfate scales. These results will be compared to traditional scale inhibitors. Following laboratory testing, this environmentally acceptable scale inhibitor product was deployed in high TDS wells where halite deposition was occurring. This paper will also demonstrate the successful implementation of the product, which provided calcium carbonate inhibition and a reduction in the volume of fresh water needed for control of halite deposition. This reduction in water consumption led to significant cost savings for the customer.
The value this case study brings to the industry is an overview of the challenges halite and associated scales present to hydrocarbon recovery and the development/implementation of a multifunctional molecule rather than a chemical blend for scale control. Results of this paper have implications for other fields across the world where halite scale is a flow assurance challenge.
