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Predicting Carbonate Scale in Oil Producers From High-Temperature Reservoirs

2005; Society of Petroleum Engineers; Volume: 10; Issue: 04 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2118/87430-pa

1930-0220

Kari Ramstad, Trine Tydal, Kjell M. Askvik, Per Fotland,

Petroleum Processing and Analysis

Summary Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) scale is a common problem in the oil industry, leading to reduced well performance and obstruction of safety valves. Recent field experiences indicate that scaling may be a problem at lower saturation ratio (SR) than earlier anticipated. In a high-pressure, high-temperature scale cell, crystal growth in synthetic formation water has been studied. Induction times and growth rates have been determined by use of a microscope cell. The results have been interpreted by use of nucleation theory. The findings indicate that wells may be safely operated at SR below 2.5 at 85°C. At higher temperature, crystal growth is less dependent on SR and the temperature dominates the system. Care should therefore be taken when operating wells at temperatures greater than 100°C.