Authors: Ali Habibi (University of Alberta) | Charles Fensky (Blue Spark Energy) | Mike Perri (Blue Spark Energy) | Morteza Roostaei (RGL Reservoir Management Inc.) | Vahidoddin Fattahpour (RGL Reservoir Management Inc.) | Mahdi Mahmoudi (RGL Reservoir Management Inc.) | Ali Ghalambor (Oil Center Research International) | Mohtada Sadrzadeh (University of Alberta) | Hongbo Zeng (University of Alberta)
Previous studies showed that different parameters influence the plugging of completion tools. These parameters include (i) rock mineralogy, (ii) reservoir fluids properties, and (iii) type of completion tools. Although different methods have been used for unplugging these tools, there is still debate regarding performance of these methods on damage removal.
In this study, we assessed the performance of high-power shockwaves generated from an electro-hydraulic stimulation (EHS) tool on cleaning completion tools plugged during oil production. These devices were extracted from different wells in Canada, Europe, and the US. First, we evaluated the extent of cleaning for the plugged completion tools using an EHS tool at the lab-scale. We examined the slots/screens before and after the treatment to show the performance of the EHS tool. Next, we analyzed the mineral composition and morphology of the plugging materials removed after the treatment by conducting X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. Finally, we reviewed the pulsing stimulation treatment results applied to several field case studies.
The results of unplugging sand control devices at the lab-scale showed that more than 50% of plugged slots/screens were cleaned after 45 pulses of shockwaves. The characterization results showed that the main plugging materials are calcite, silicate, and iron-based components (corrosion products). The results of field case studies showed an improved oil production rate after the pulsing stimulation treatment.
This paper provides a better understanding of the performance of shockwaves on damage removal from plugged completion tools. The results could provide a complementary tool for production engineers to select a proper method for treating the plugged tools.
