Advances in Solving Oilfield Scaling Problems

Abstract

Advances in Solving Oilfield Scaling Problems

Scale forming within production wells and facilities causes immense problems with some oilfields, and results in high operating costs. Use of treatment chemicals often meets with only limited success while increasing the pollutant load within the discharged produced water.

Some advances in the control of scaling are described in this paper. This includes more valid formation water sampling and analysis so that where, when and how much scale may form is more accurately predicted, thus allowing better targeting of control measures. Control by scale inhibitor ‘squeezing’ and process changes are described, the latter including the use of sulphate-removal membranes and downhole produced water separation with immediate re-injection.