The results of extensive well tracer tests are presented, which were used to develop an empirical equation to predict optimum well circulation times. The results showed that if a well was undercirculated, the inhibitor was delayed in the casing-tubing annulus to a point where it could not normally provide the concentration/contact time profile required for adequate inhibition. If the well was overcirculated, the inhibitor was returned back down the casing-tubing annulus, so that the flowline would not receive the intended protection from the downhole treatment. Overcirculation also causes excessive losses in production in the majority of low volume rod pumped wells.

The empirical equation and batch-treatment technology have been incorporated into Hewlett Packard and IBM compatible computer programs to facilitate circulation time calculations and store an entire field's well data for retrieval and updating. Implementation of this technology in the Redwater field has reduced downhole and flowline failure frequencies, as well as reduced total inhibition costs, by making optimal use of their corrosion inhibition treatments.

Subject
Water, Inhibitor performance, Annulus, Thiocyanate, Slug flow, Flowlines, Tubing, Chemical inhibition, Fluids, Inhibitor treatment, Corrosion inhibitors, Corrosion protection, Oil
© 1988 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1988
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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