A New and Reliable Model for Predicting Oilfield Scale Formation

Abstract

A new and reliable Oilfield Scale Prediction Model (OSPMod) has been developed and is presented. Unlike the available models which predict only scaling potential using thermodynamics and limited solubility data, OSPMod predicts the potential and deposition profile based on extensive thermodynamic and kinetic data. The model uses experimental solubility data in NaCl, MgCl2, CaCl2, and their mixtures, and in natural oilfield brines to determine the saturation index. Critical saturation indices beyond which scaling occurs have been established for the common oilfield scales (BaSO4, SrSO4, CaSO4 nH2O, and CaCO3). The model uses the flow characteristics and experimental kinetic data to predict the scale deposition profile from the bottomhole to the surface, once the critical saturation index is exceeded. The model has been developed as a menu-driven, user-friendly software. It is applicable to all the common oilfield scales and provides several input, computation and output options. Graphic presentation of results is a useful feature of OSPMod. The accuracy, reliability, and key features of the model are illustrated in the text with oilfield and test well cases.

Prediction of Scale Formation Problems in Oil Reservoirs and Production Equipment due to Injection of Incompatible Waters

“…The available models are based on thermodynamics and limited solubility data and can only predict the potential for scale formation. They include the models of Stiff andDavis (1952a, 1952b), Odd0 and Tomson (1982), Valone and Skillern (1982), Vetter and Kandarpa (1980), Vetter et al (1982), Kharaka et al (1988), Atkinson et al (1991), Todd and Yuan (1991), and Yeboah et al (1993).…”

Laboratory Study on Precipitation of Barium Sulphate in Malaysia Sandstone Cores

“…Their consequence could be production-equipment failure, emergency shutdown, increased maintenance cost, and an overall decrease in production efficiency. The failure of production equipment and instruments could result in safety hazards [19].…”

Effect of engineered water and scale inhibitor concentration on the adsorption performance of gypsum inhibitors on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and crushed sandstone

“…[14] Common oilfield scales include carbonate and sulphate scales, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), calcium sulphate (CaSO 4 Á xH 2 O, CaSO 4 ), and barium sulphate (BaSO 4 ). [15] It is indicated that there are an optimum salinity and multivalent ions concentration in which the amount of mineral scale precipitation is at the minimum level. [16] To reduce the scale formation incidence, scale inhibitors (SIs) are used, which are an effective and inexpensive method compared to mechanical solutions.…”