Field Application Review of Scale Removal on Geothermal Wells and Surface Production Facilities Using True Fluidics Oscillator (TFO)-Pulsating Waves Method Technology

Abstract

Mineral deposition or scale is the main problem faced in geothermal energy management activities that occur in wells and in production facilities that cause a decrease in power plants’ capacity. Scales are formed naturally and cannot be prevented because it is associated with reservoir and operational conditions that are widely found in Indonesian geothermal systems, predominantly liquid dominated ones, therefore the advantaged technology is needed to clean the scale (scale removal) so that the ability of wells and power plant capacity is maintained. This research aims to offer the alternative method for scale removal using the True Fluidics Oscillator (TFO)-Pulsating Waves Method. This method combines mechanical processes, chemical processes, and wave processes simultaneously to provide solutions to clean scales inside or outside the production casing or perforation zone. This oscillator creates pulsating pressure waves within the wellbore and formation fluids. These pressure waves help to break up any type of near-wellbore damage and restore the permeability by carrying the fluid past the wellbore into the formation. The pressure waves expand in a spherical fashion from the point of origin providing 360° coverage while moving the tool across the interval. The TFO is not affected by standoff from the surface to be cleaned and TFO efficiently transfers the kinetic energy of the fluid pumped to the damaged zone. The use of TFO in conjunction with any chemical treatments will greatly enhance the chemical surface contact area. Technical and economic analysis of the operation of TFO is needed to be applied appropriately to the condition of geothermal systems in Indonesia by using examples of cases in the Central Java Geothermal Field to know the feasibility of the technology.