Tough barium sulfate scale could have meant the end for this well on the NCS. BlueSpark cleared it, extending the life of the well.
Barium sulfate scale removed from sand screen sections
Tough barium sulfate scale could have meant the end for this well on the NCS. BlueSpark cleared it, extending the life of the well.
Challenge
Barium sulfate (BaSO4) scale is a particularly challenging type of hard scale, as it is highly resistant to conventional chemical and mechanical remedial techniques. An operator in the North Sea suspected that a large section of sand screen across a productive zone was plugged by barium sulfate scale. However, the relatively low production rate, coupled with a small, unmanned production platform, precluded most other intervention solutions.
Well Conditions
- Depth: 3400 mKB (11155 ft.)
- Deviation: 86 degrees
- Temperature: 120 °C (248 °F)
Solution
Use electro-hydraulic stimulation to extend the economic life of a well on the Norwegian continental shelf.
- Upon consultation with Blue Spark Energy, the operator decided to improve communication with the reservoir by treating the sand screen with BLUESPARK® technology.
- A secondary objective was to clean a section of perforated liner.
- Both treatments were accomplished in the same run in the hole.
- Production after the treatment was monitored for rate and pressure.
Outcome
Post BLUESPARK®, oil production increased 173% from 91.8 b/d to 250.9 b/d.
Well uptime increased from 11.8% to 67.8%.
Improved production was sustained for more than 6 months following treatment.