Static and Dynamic Adsorption of Phosphonate and Polymeric Scale Inhibitors Onto Reservoir Core From Laboratory Tests to Field Application

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, results from static tests have been used to establish scale inhibitor adsorption mechanisms and levels in consolidated reservoir cores and to rank inhibitors for their adsorption behaviour and, in some cases, squeeze return lifetimes. The purpose of this rapid and simple type of bulk adsorption measurement is to assist in the selection of inhibitors for further coreflooding which should be carried out on a minimum number of inhibitors. A bulk adsorption sensitivity study can be carried out very rapidly compared with carefully carried out reservoir condition core floods. The value of such rapid screening tests is evident although we show that it is not always possible for all factors concerning squeeze lifetime to be determined in this way. It is still often necessary to carry out a much smaller number of reservoir condition core floods for a few (usually between 1 and 3) selected inhibitor products. This is necessary if the dynamic adsorption isotherm, T(C), is to be derived in order to develop the "Field Squeeze Strategy" or for the assessment of formation damage which might occur in the squeeze treatment. A field example of this is presented briefly in this paper although details can be found elsewhere.