Mitigating Inorganic Scaling Using Synthetic Zeolite

Inorganic scaling is a predominant formation-damage mechanism in most producing
and injection wells worldwide. It occurs in the well tubing and near well bore
formations of the production and injection wells. Carbonate and sulfate are two main
types of scales commonly found in the oil fields. The deposition of scale on surfaces
and production equipment is a major production problem. Scale built-up decreases
permeability of the formation, reduces well productivity and shortens the lifetime of
production equipment. In this project Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (ZSM-5) has been used
to mitigate the inorganic scaling, as it has high selectivity and high ion exchange
capacity. The objectives of this project are to analyze the potential of synthetic zeolite
in mitigating inorganic scaling and to examine the changing in permeability of the
rocks subjected to the fluid treated with synthetic zeolite. For the scope of study, the
literature review on inorganic scaling, synthetic zeolite and permeability of the rock
have been done. There are two experiments have been conducted during this project,
which are Zeolite Ion Exchange Experiment and Permeability Test. Then, the project
is continued with analyzing the sample solution taken from Zeolite Ion Exchange
Experiment with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). From
here, the mineral composition and chemical elements of ZSM-5 can be analyzed.
Based on the results obtained from XRF, ZSM-5 has shown its capability in
absorbing barium and sodium ions. Meanwhile for the permeability test, there is
reduction in permeability of the core samples based on the sample solutions used.
These sample solutions that are treated with synthetic zeolite have lower permeability
reduction compared to untreated sample solutions. In this study, it is found that
synthetic zeolite exhibits potential in mitigating inorganic scaling