Chapter 22 - Formation damage control and remediation: conventional techniques and remedial treatments for common problems

Abstract

Formation damage is an undesirable operational and economic problem that may occur during the various phases of oil and gas recovery from petroleum reservoirs. Control and remediation of formation damage are among the most important issues to be resolved for efficient exploitation of petroleum reservoirs and cost management. Designing certain chemicals and/or treatment procedures for damage control and remediation is a science as well as an art. Recipes that work for certain cases may not necessarily work for others. In spite of exhaustive research and development efforts, the cost-effective mitigation of formation damage is still a very challenging task. This chapter provides practicing engineers the understanding and tools available for the prevention, control, and remediation of formation damage. A review of the commonly practiced methods is presented.