Background
The partnership that began in the Spring of 2022 between Smart Chemical Services and a producer in Dawson County faced significant operational challenges due to the presence of large amounts of paraffin deposition in the wells. With approximately 50 vertical wells producing from the JoMill Formation. The buildup of paraffin was restricting flow and causing a decrease in oil production.
Paraffin buildup in the production system was causing extended workover times, often stretching weeks longer than planned. The accumulation of paraffin required mechanical removal, further delaying production and significantly increasing operational costs. This reduced the overall efficiency of the operation, hindering both productivity and profitability.
- 50 Wells – JoMill Formation, Waterflood
- No drilling program in the past 5 years.
- 12.5% production decline within the past 12 months (Spring 2022)
- Paraffin build up causing elevated workover cost due to work overs due to extended workover times.
- Wells historically treated via treater truck with frequent hot oil + xylene intervention.
Beginning of the Partnership
Product selection for addressing the issues identified in the full field survey began with a focused approach to tackle paraffin deposition. Based on the findings of the survey, the following factors were considered in choosing the appropriate treatment:
Measurable Goals of the Partnership
- Decrease work over times and eliminate the need for mechanical paraffin removal.
- Decrease the need for hot oil intervention.
- Stabilize production decline by removing flow restrictions.
- Increase production with stimulation post paraffin remediation.
Field Survey Findings Paraffin Deposition:
The high gravity crude (39oAPI) in this field contains high carbon chain paraffins which require higher temperatures for thermal removal (>190oF) and have limited solubility in various paraffin solvents. Given the high paraffin content (18%), the wax appearance temperature (WAT) of 113°F, and a low bottom hole temperature; paraffin precipitation and deposition occurs throughout the wellbore.
- High Gravity Crude: 39oAPI
- High Temp Paraffin Removal: > 190oF
- High Paraffin Content: 18%
- Wax Appearance Temperature 113°F
Treatment Plan
Phase One: Paraffin Control
The transition from traditional truck treating and hot oiling to a more efficient cold treating method, involving continuous injection of a paraffin inhibitor and a customized solvent package, led to significant improvements. The continuous injection system helped prevent paraffin buildup, minimizing deposition in the production system.
After lab testing and field evaluations, improvements in flow assurance and deposition control were achieved by combining a proven paraffin inhibitor, customized solvent package, and a corrosion inhibitor for continuous downhole treatment.
Key Outcomes:
- Cost reduction: Fewer mechanical interventions required leading to less rig days on wells.
- Decreased flow restrictions: Less paraffin buildup led to unrestricted flow, enhancing production efficiency.
- Decreased the need for hot oil: Significant cost savings by 80% reduction in hot oil applications.
Phase Two: Production Increase
As a team member working alongside the engineering and operations teams, and after successfully establishing paraffin control, SCS shifted its focus to well stimulation and boosting production. The implementation of water injection wells, along with operational improvements and targeted remediation efforts such as biocide treatments, acidizing, and scale inhibitor applications, led to a 20% increase in oil production.
Summary of Results:
- Phase One: Significant control of paraffin buildup, leading to a 10% increase in production and a reduction in workover cost by 85%.
Phase Two: Well stimulation 20% increase in oil production
These phases demonstrate the progressive and adaptive approach Smart Chemical Services took to enhance well performance, address multiple flow restrictions, and significantly increase production while reducing costly workover operations.