Field Investigation Identifies Source and Magnitude of Iron Problems

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recent field studies indicate that iron may be a problem in acid stimulation, even in formations that do not contain iron minerals. A program was undertaken to identify the sources of iron that may be carried by fluids used in well stimulation. While possible sources have been suggested by many investigators, this program was conducted on well sites where acid was pumped out of typical steel tanks, through conventional blending and treating equipment and well tubulars. Sources of iron encountered were identified by monitoring at multiple points in the process. A surprisingly high concentration of iron was found in the first portion of the acid passing through the system.