Selection and Application of a Non-Damaging Scale Inhibitor Package for Pre-Emptive Squeeze in Mungo Production Wells

Abstract

This paper presents the challenges of identifying and deploying a non-damaging non-aqueous scale inhibitor for pre-emptive squeeze into the largest dry producer in the BP-operated Mungo field.In order to pre-empt potential downhole scaling & subsequent impact on production, the Mungo asset requested a non-damaging, pre-emptive squeeze option for application prior to water breakthrough. Scale inhibitor squeezes are usually deployed post water breakthrough and when scale is predicted to form as a result of the co-mingling of incompatible produced brines. On the other hand, pre-emptive squeezes are preferred either when scaling is predicted from the start of water breakthrough or when the time required to mobilise chemicals etc. for an intervention is too long, placing production at risk. For Mungo, both these last scenarios applied: the predicted scaling tendencies were severe and immediate on water breakthrough, and the difficulty in mobilising a support vessel etc. to perform the job required careful planning and time.BP and their Mungo partners initiated a chemical selection test programme through their CMS provider to identify a non-damaging