Prediction of scale deposits in the oilfield. Current status, problems, challenges

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Abstract

The article summarizes current understanding of the problem of scaling in oilfield equipment and methodological approaches to its prevention. Based on years of research into scaling issues across various oilfields, we systematize information regarding the composition of produced and injected water and its role in the scaling process, as well as details about the composition of inorganic deposits and the mechanisms of their formation. We examine existing methods of mathematical modeling for scaling processes in oilfield systems and assess their effectiveness. It is demonstrated that the qualitative chemical composition of both aqueous solutions and deposits from production units in oil enterprises is similar, regardless of the field; however, the quantitative ratios of components can differ by orders of magnitude, even within a single field. Although the problem of scaling has been extensively studied, there is still no universal methodological approach to effectively prevent salt deposits in oilfields under varying conditions. Despite the diversity and capabilities of modern software packages, the results of mathematical modeling do not always correlate well with the actual composition of deposits in oilfield systems. Therefore, addressing the issue of forecasting salt deposits in oilfields requires a comprehensive approach, including experimental modeling and adjustments to the calculation methods based on production experience. Such a problem can be solved by artificial intelligence methods, therefore, the development of the methodology for forecasting salt deposits in oilfield systems in the near future will develop in this direction.

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About the authors

Ivan S. Trukhin

Institute of Chemistry, FEB RAS

Author for correspondence.
Email: trukhin@ich.dvo.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2747-3265

Candidate of Science in Chemistry, Researcher

Russian Federation, Vladivostok

Natalia V. Polyakova

Institute of Chemistry, FEB RAS

Email: polyakova@ich.dvo.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6596-9205

Candidate of Science in Chemistry, Senior Researcher

Russian Federation, Vladivostok

Pavel A. Zadorozhny

Institute of Chemistry, FEB RAS

Email: zadorozhny@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1073-4548

Candidate of Science in Biology, Senior Researcher

Russian Federation, Vladivostok

Svyatoslav V. Sukhoverkhov

Institute of Chemistry, FEB RAS

Email: svs28@ich.dvo.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-1485-1682

Candidate of Science in Chemistry, Head of Laboratory

Russian Federation, Vladivostok

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2. Fig. 1. Types of classification of formation waters of oil fields [10]

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3. Fig. 2. Composition of sediments from oil preparation units of the offshore oil production platform of Sakhalin Island

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4. Fig. 3. Comparison of the results of calculating the qualitative composition of the inorganic part of the sediments with the composition of the real sediment from the nodes of the offshore oil and gas platform of Sakhalin Island [5]

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