Case Histories of Extended Scale Prevention from Single Treatment of Chemically Infused, Slow Release Media

Abstract

A porous media chemical delivery system has been developed which allows the release of various chemistries at a controlled rate, over long periods of time. This delivery system is able to replace a portion of the proppant used in gravel packing and fracturing, as well as an additive during acid stimulation. The placement of the delivery system in this manner allows for increased efficiency and elimination of operational issues associated with alternative treatments. Several case histories are presented over multiple basins. These case histories outline the versatility of this chemical delivery system by highlighting its use in different environments. Successful deployment in a variety of fluid systems including seawater based cross-linked gel, slick water, and acid are also presented. Other design factors such as temperature, produced water salinity, scale type, stress on proppant, and produced water rate are discussed. The incorporation of all these factors has yielded design volumes varying from 0.5% to 40% of the proppant/gravel pack, depending on the inhibition duration (time / produced water volume) desired. Results presented in this paper include successful scale inhibition for multiple years, include over 4 years with one application. Also highlighted are examples of inhibition in both conventional and unconventional reservoirs, as well as both onshore and offshore, and both North America and internationally. This paper will be beneficial for production engineers who desire a cost effective solution to deploy production assurance chemicals in a one-time treatment resulting in a multi-year solution.