An Evaluation of Simulation Techniques for Modelling Squeeze Treatments

Abstract

An Evaluation of Simulation Techniques for Modelling Squeeze Treatments E.J. Mackay; E.J. Mackay Heriot-Watt University Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar K.S. Sorbie K.S. Sorbie Heriot-Watt University Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, October 1999. Paper Number: SPE-56775-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/56775-MS Published: October 03 1999 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Mackay, E.J., and K.S. Sorbie. "An Evaluation of Simulation Techniques for Modelling Squeeze Treatments." Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, October 1999. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/56775-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition Search Advanced Search AbstractModelling scale inhibitor squeeze treatments is taking on an expanding role, partially due to the increasing complexity of systems that need to be treated against scale formation, and partially due to the improved accessibility of codes capable of modelling these treatments. Five such codes have been identified, ranging from near wellbore single-phase models designed with inhibitor squeeze treatments specifically in mind, to full field, fluid, thermal and chemical transport simulators. The former type of model is routinely used by production engineers to optimise squeeze treatments. The later is a tool that can be used in a research environment for improved understanding of various aspects of squeeze application, or to study specific cases that are exceptionally problematic. The risks associated with horizontal wells in particular, partly due to their cost, and partly due to the potential losses from deferred oil, mean that modelling is often seen as a useful tool in reducing uncertainties.The choice has to be made between the requirement for accurate flow calculations and chemical modelling, and the need to set up models quickly and accurately. Guidelines are presented to assist in the choice of code. These guidelines are accompanied by case studies that demonstrate the scenarios in which the different models might be used. At one end of the spectrum, the simpler models can be used to optimise squeeze treatments in quite complicated systems, provided good fluid flow data are available, and it is known that the assumptions made are valid. At the other extreme, cases are presented that show the application of field models in investigating issues such as the impact on squeeze life of formation cooling due to the preflush, the placement of polymer gel diverters in crossflowing horizontal wells, and the impact of such diverters on the subsequent inhibitor placement.Typical recommendations stemming from these studies are discussed. For example, partitioning of fluid flow during injection and production is shown to be one of the most important factors in determining the effectiveness of squeeze treatments in horizontal wells with strong crossflow. Thus there is a need to obtain accurate production logging data to determine the effectiveness of diverter treatments in such wells. Keywords: water production, injection, asphaltene inhibition, spe 56775, reservoir simulation, wax inhibition, evaluation, simulator, reservoir simulator, modeling & simulation Subjects: Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Reservoir Simulation, Production logging, Inhibition and remediation of hydrates, scale, paraffin / wax and asphaltene This content is only available via PDF. 1999. Society of Petroleum Engineers You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.