Rducing Backpressure and Enhancing Throughput of Saltwater Disposal Wells with Chlorine Dioxide and Complex Nano Fluids: Optimization and Case Studies

Abstract

Oilfield produced waters are usually returned to the ground by either reinjecting into underground reservoirs for enhanced oil recovery or injecting in saltwater disposal wells (SWDW) for final disposal. SWDWs often receive waters from production wells with comingled brines. These brines contain residual oils, suspended solids, and additives (such as friction reducers, partially broken gels, biocides, scale and corrosion inhibitors). SWDWs experience declined well injectivity, due to damages from downhole buildup of particles, oils, and biofilms clogging well casing and tubing and plugging a well's perforations and the near wellbore matrix. To fix these problems, chemical treatments are often performed to restore the injectivity of the formations and reduce the injection pressure. Acids and solvents are frequently used to clear blockages of the wells and restore the permeability of the rock formation. Existing chemical treatments of SWDWs still face some challenges, including asphaltene and iron oxide and iron sulfide precipitation, and H2S formation from acid reaction with iron sulfides. Herein, we report the development and optimization of an innovative field SWDW chemical treatment program. We have successfully developed and optimized the new treatment method including three treating chemicals: hydrochloric acid (HCl), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), and a proprietary Complex nano Fluid (CnF®). Typically, CnF®, HCl, and ClO2 solutions are pumped sequentially downhole into the well formation, with the specific flush volumes of each chemical varying from well to well based on the wellbore configuration. The field application data collected from SWDWs in Haynesville Play and Permian Basin clearly demonstrate remarkable improvement in injectivity and pressure reduction parameters. In all cases, the new treatment combination provides great economic value, with investment payout time within a few weeks. The novel chemical treatment program is expected to have broad application in the treatment of SWDWs across a variety of geological formations in almost all basins.