A review of scale inhibitor methods during modified smart water injection

Abstract

Enhancing oil recovery (EOR) through water flooding methods, including smart water injection, low salinity water injection, polymer injection, and surfactant injection has become a pivotal strategy for enhancing productivity. Despite their promising outcomes, these methods often encounter challenges such as scaling formation and deposition, impacting reservoir permeability and production rates. A comprehensive understanding of scaling formation is crucial for effective implementation of these methods. This article explores various scaling types prevalent in the field, examining key parameters (temperature, pressure, and pH) that influence scaling formation. Additionally, it presents a diverse range of inhibitors employing both chemical and mechanical methods to mitigate and prevent scaling, thus safeguarding reservoir performance. The efficiency of inhibitors is scrutinized concerning chemical composition and performance maintenance under different temperature and pressure conditions. This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and industry experts involved in the oil industry and reservoir management. By elucidating scaling mechanisms, delineating consequences, and offering extensive solutions, it enhances comprehension and provides a foundation for improving oil recovery strategies. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of scaling mechanisms, providing insights that can be applied to optimize oil recovery processes, mitigate reservoir challenges, and improve overall reservoir management strategies.