Corrosion and Operational Problems, CO2 Project, Sacroc Unit

Abstract

Abstract The SACROC CO2 Injection Project was initiated following a comprehensive literature search and extensive laboratory investigations to establish system design criteria, select suitable materials of construction, and prepare for operational difficulties that prepare for operational difficulties that might occur. Packing of the CO2 Supply Line at the El Paso Puckett Plant was started in November 1971 and CO2 injection commenced in three SACROC Unit wells on January 20, 1972. This is an alternating water-CO2 project and all wells were placed on prewater injection prior to receiving the first slug of CO2. prior to receiving the first slug of CO2.System performance to date is considered satisfactory; however, some operational problems have occurred. One operating problem has problems have occurred. One operating problem has been corrosion. Corrosion has been minimal in the dry CO2 portion of the injection system and maximum in meter runs, wellheads and tubing which are subject to alternating water-CO2 slugs. The SACROC produced water is considered to be the greatest contributor to this area of maximum corrosion. Corrosion in the producing wells and surface equipment due to return of CO2 has ranged from minimal to severe. Predictions of corrosivity based on CO2 and water cuts have not always proved accruate. Although a few failures have occurred, equipment selection and inhibitor applications have adequately controlled corrosion in CO2 Removal and Reinjection Facilities. Scale and emulsion problems have occurred in isolated instances problems have occurred in isolated instances but thus far have not posed a general problem due to proper treating and handling techniques. Introduction The SACROC CO2 flood project was initiated following numerous studies implemented to investigate possible means of increasing the efficiency of the centerline waterflood. Laboratory simulations and engineering calculations indicated that a water driven carbon dioxide flood would yield the highest increased recovery rate and was the most economically attractive. Accordingly, plans were initiated in 1969 to develop a CO2 flood project. Design studies for the field CO2 delivery and injection system were initiated and possible sources for the required large volumes of CO2 were investigated. In December of 1969, the Texas Railroad Commission approved the proposed flood.