Preventing Asphaltene Deposition by Inhibitor Squeeze Injection: Case Studies from Giant Carbonate Abu Dhabi Fields

Abstract

Abstract Asphaltene deposition is a notorious flow assurance problem faced by oil companies that causes production loss and large expenses for operators. The complex nature of asphaltenes and limited data available makes it challenging to develop a full field implementation strategy that is economically viable as well. Conducting asphaltene clean-up operations whenever wells get plugged up are the reactive approach to deal with asphaltene issues. However these approaches often result in prolonged well downtime, production losses and high well intervention costs. As part of proactive measures, chemical inhibitors were screened for formation squeeze and field trials conducted to assess their performance. Results from these trials helped to frame the full-field implementation strategy that is promising from a technical-economic standpoint. This paper describes the asphaltene mitigation journey of a major Abu Dhabi oil operator that resulted in multi-million dollar savings.