Organic and inorganic formation damage and remediation

Tóm tắt

Organic and inorganic skin damage in oil producing wells is a major factor in the loss of productivity and revenue. Paraffin, asphaltene, scale deposition and emulsions in the formation and around the wellbore create a barrier for the transportation of crude oil through the formation to the tubing. Many producing wells have experienced a production decline that cannot be explained by reservoir depletion. Organic and inorganic damage may occur naturally or through various intervention practices used in the oilfield. An increased awareness of the potential for ongoing damage has been developing slowly over time. Better methods of problem identification, programs to remediate these problems and stimulation software have been developed in recent years. The paper discusses potential sources of organic and inorganic damage, problem identification test techniques, stimulation software, chemical selection and applications. A number of brief case histories are presented as examples.