Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Introduction to Oilfield Scaling

• Understand what oilfield scaling is and its impact on production and asset integrity.
• Identify common oilfield scales and their formation mechanisms:
• Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) – Common in high-temperature, high-pressure wells.
• Barium Sulfate (BaSO₄) – Highly insoluble and difficult to remove.
• Strontium Sulfate (SrSO₄) – Forms in similar conditions as BaSO₄ but less common.
• Iron Sulfide (FeS) – Resulting from microbial activity or sour gas environments.
• Silica (SiO₂) – Found in high-salinity and geothermal wells.

2. Causes and Contributing Factors of Scale Formation

• Analyze water chemistry and fluid incompatibility.
• Understand temperature, pressure, and pH influences on scaling.
• Identify operational and environmental conditions that promote scaling.

3. Scale Analysis and Prediction Techniques

• Conduct water chemistry analysis (TDS, sulfate, bicarbonate, calcium, iron content).
• Use scale prediction software (ScaleChem, MultiScale, OLGA).
• Apply thermodynamic and kinetic models to predict scale precipitation.
• Learn about saturation index calculations and scale risk assessment.

4. Oilfield Scale Prevention Strategies

• Implement chemical scale inhibitors (phosphonates, polyacrylates, chelating agents).
• Select continuous and batch injection techniques for scale control.
• Optimize water compatibility for injection and production wells.

5. Scale Removal and Treatment Methods

• Chemical removal techniques:
• Acid treatments (HCl for carbonate scales, chelating agents for sulfate scales).
• Specialized dissolvers for barium and strontium sulfate scales.
• Mechanical removal methods:
• Coiled tubing jetting and high-pressure descaling.
• Wireline and pigging for pipeline scale removal.
• Advanced scale control technologies:
• Electrochemical scale prevention.
• Ultrasonic descaling techniques.

6. Scale Impact on Well Performance and Production Systems

• Evaluate scale-related production issues (tubing blockage, pump failures, pressure drop).
• Assess impact on artificial lift systems (ESP, gas lift, rod pumps).
• Implement real-time monitoring for scaling trends in pipelines and flowlines.

7. Troubleshooting and Case Studies

• Diagnose scale deposition problems and develop corrective actions.
• Analyze case studies of scaling challenges and successful treatment strategies.
• Participate in hands-on exercises for scale prediction and chemical selection.

8. Regulatory and Environmental Considerations

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, REACH, API, and offshore environmental regulations.
• Implement best practices for chemical handling, disposal, and environmental impact reduction.
• Apply biodegradable and environmentally friendly scale inhibitors.

9. Practical Applications and Field Exercises

• Work on real-world data from oilfield operations.
• Conduct laboratory-based scale precipitation tests.
• Develop a customized scale management plan for a specific field scenario.

Target Audience

• Production and petroleum engineers
• Flow assurance and integrity specialists
• Field operators and maintenance personnel
• Production chemists and process engineers
• HSE and regulatory compliance officers