Delivering Long-lasting Treatment for Adverse Downhole Conditions Using an Innovative Technology: A Brand New Solution for an Old Problem

Abstract

A new technology has been developed to transport substances downhole for various oilfield applications. This introduces a new method of delivering solutions in a timely manner with a long-lasting efficacy, with no extra steps or additional mechanical tools. A group of naturally derived copolymers, the use of which is new in the oilfield, can be employed as the delivery vehicle for different species in various forms including beads, capsules, sheets, or strips, as suited for different uses. This technique can be employed for treating one or more adverse downhole conditions, such as, scaling, corrosion, or organic deposits for a prolonged period. This technique can also be used for transporting a chemical agent, such as, a tracer, a pH or a surface modifier, a scavenger, or a viscosity enhancing or reducing agent, either as solid or in their liquid form. This paper will present one of the applications, namely treatment of common inorganic scales downhole, involving this innovative approach. In this particular case, the treatment agent is delivered with the stimulation fluid and is placed with proppant along the fracture length. This approach not only treats the scaling issues efficiently for longer period of time compared to any current products available, but also causes no significant damage to the proppant-pack conductivity. Additionally, it is environmentally-safe and cost-effective. This paper will describe the laboratory testing involved in developing this new technology in detail. The paper will also discuss our recent field validation studies for pumping in the Gulf of Mexico.