Integrative approach for formation damage diagnosis in a Colombian brownfield: a comprehensive methodology

Abstract

Formation damage is the reduction of a well's productivity due to the alteration of the permeability of the subsurface rock, leading to economically inefficient operations. This research established a methodology to diagnose such damage, which is divided into: 1) Identification of operational problems, 2) Field sampling and analysis of geological and engineering data, 3) Adaptation of API standards for the study of fluid-fluid and rock-fluid interactions, 4) Identification of damage mechanisms and recommendations. This methodology was applied to two depleted wells in a brown oilfield with reduced productivity to address scale deposition and casing corrosion issues. Finally, the application of control and stimulation fluids must satisfy technical and environmental requirements, with the objective of inducing destabilization of the identified formation damage mechanisms.