Abstract
The producing wells in South Burgan field, Kuwait Oil Company, have recently reported increase in water cut with simultaneous drop in oil production. Several wells have showed indications of scale formation to varying degrees at the well-heads‟ chokes and in the flowlines, that transferring the crude to the gathering centers. Scale deposits comprised mostly calcium carbonate with lesser amounts of silicon (formation fines). Inhibited acid cleaning has been carried out to remove the hard scales from the chokes‟ beans and the flowlines that having significant scale accumulations.
Scale inhibition treatment have been adapt utilized. Online internal corrosion monitoring coupons have been installed on the flowlines to monitor the internal corrosion during acid cleaning and routine operation. Similarly, scale coupons have been installed to evaluate the scale inhibitor injection efficiency. Fluid sampling has been carried out during acid cleaning to check dissolved iron (Fe) content as corrosion monitoring indicator and scaling tendency. Radiography has been used to locate and quantify the scale depositions. Ultrasonic thickness scanning has been carried out to ensure the integrity of flowlines during acid cleaning activities. Appropriate recommendations have been provided to the asset owner for controlling the internal corrosion and scaling. This paper discusses the outcome of the work carried out in order to maintain the integrity of the wellheads and flowlines having scaling.
