Stimulation
The process of oil and gas stimulation enhances the yield and flow of hydrocarbons in old wells. This method involves the injection of various mineral acids, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, or organic acids such as acetic acid and citric acid, to create new holes and channels within the oil well reservoir. These new pathways open the route for oil to reach the well chamber, thereby increasing production returns to the target value. This process is implemented in both types of water injection wells and production wells to boost production efficiency.
From the point of view of the type of oil and gas reservoirs, by examining the available minerals, about 50% of the reservoir rocks are carbonate minerals (such as limestone, dolomite, etc.) and the remaining 50% are sandstones (such as quartz, feldspar, etc.).
The two main methods used in the acidification process are:
- Matrix acidizing
- hydraulic fracture acid
- The wells of the Zagros basin, including Khuzestan
- Wells in the Persian Gulf
- Gas wells
- Russia
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- CIS
- Iraq (Erbil and Basra)
- Arab countries
- The type of carbonate or silicate formation
- The specific acid used
- Acidification temperature (ranging from 200°F to 300°F)
- The well’s lifespan
- Acid concentration
- Corrosion, especially in high-temperature wells.
- Accumulation of sludge, such as asphalt and wax.
- Presence of iron ions.
- Occurrence of H2S gas.
- Formation of oil-acid-water emulsions.
- High-temperature oil well anti-corrosion agents (for temperatures between 200°F and 300°F).
- Anti-sludge agents.
- NON-emulsifiers.
- H2S scavengers.
- Iron control/reducers.
- Surfactants.