Field analysis and lab testing accurately diagnoses cause of pipeline restrictions for successful remediation
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Recurring plugging in SWD well, causing shutdowns and lost revenue
Onshore Gulf Coast, United States
An operator in the mature Roseland Plantation field along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana was experiencing recurring plugging issues in its saltwater disposal (SWD) well. This pipeline restriction led to shutting in wells, resulting in lost production and revenue. Prior to Multi-Chem’s evaluation, several acid stimulations were performed, but each treatment lasted less than a week before the wells had to be shut in again.
To mitigate scale buildup, common in high salinity conditions, and increase the SWD well’s throughput, the operator planned to pull tubing, wash out the well, and re-perforate new zones—a project estimated to cost over $45,000, excluding downtime. A more economical solution was sought, leveraging Halliburton Multi-Chem’s analytical expertise and product knowledge of proven acid stimulation treatments, emulsifiers, water clarifiers, and surfactants to target the scale deposits impacting flow.
A Multi-Chem technician evaluated the produced water going to the SWD well through both field analysis and laboratory testing, revealing a combination of calcium carbonate, iron carbonate, and hydrocarbons as the problem.
Multi-Chem recommended an acid stimulation treatment combining two Halliburton products, SS 5669 and Musol-E solvents. These chemicals were applied at the perforations and allowed contact time before putting the SWD well back in service.
The treatment effectively remediated the restrictions, allowing the operator to resume production without issues. Multi-Chem followed up with an ongoing customized chemical program, including MX 989-1 emulsion breaker and WC-7970 water clarifier to reduce oil levels being injected, S-2101 scale inhibitor to prevent scale reformation, and a surfactant to aid the cleaning process. This comprehensive solution enabled the SWD well to continue performing without further plugging issues.
Savings in the first month
Monthly return on investment (ROI)
Carbonate scale and hydrocarbon restrictions were successfully eliminated, and a long-term treatment plan was established for future flow assurance. The economic value from a one-time acid treatment was extremely positive, with a monthly return on investment of $204,261, saving the client $71,643 compared to the previous chemical provider in the first month alone. This does not include the additional lost production the Roseland field would have experienced without the SWD well intervention. The engineered chemical treatment solution not only inhibited and prevented scale but also prolonged the asset’s life with optimized flow and production rates while decreasing operating expenses.
