Middle East Technical University

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

November 26th, 2020

PETE490 Petroleum Engineering Research:

Scale Formation, Removal and Prevention in Oil and Gas
Production Systems

Supervisor: Can Sungu BAKILER

Instructor: Sevtac BULBUL

Group Members
Civan Sinasi OZBEY
Salih Sukru CURKUS
Taylan AZAZI
Abstract
Scale formation is one of the most important issue that generally occurs in geothermal and
hydrocarbon fields. Scaling is a type of deposition along the production tubing, casing, other
production equipment etc. which may plug these parts, decreases diameter and wellbeing of the
production system. That is the reason why there are several techniques to prevent scaling and
remove precipitated materials. In this study we will work on different aspects of the problem
which are not only reason-result connection, but also understanding various types of scale
formations and solutions.

Statement of the Problem

In oil and geothermal fields, we have different limiting factors like scaling which makes collapse
of the production process. Sustainability can be achieved by prevention of problem or periodic
maintenance depending on the conditions. Scaling is one of those problems. For this reason,
scaling problem during production operations has huge importance. In this study, we will try to
define scaling, find reasons of scale formation and their possible solutions. Moreover, we will
find out the damages that are caused by scale deposition and investigate case histories from
different fields. As a group 2, our purpose is to learn more about scaling formation and being
able to deal with these problems by applying appropriate engineering solutions.

Methodology
In this study, will we use different methods in order to make situation clear and understand the
scaling problems better. We will utilize from the books that is published and articles about
scaling by using literature review method and utilize from experts ‘opinions. This will help us to
be able to estimate the scaling cases that were seen in different fields previously. Moreover, we
will adopt analytical approach and try to explain data by using tables and graphs. Lastly, if it is
possible, we will use a software which will aid us to detect scaling in a well. At the end, we will
compile all this information and create a work paper whose aim is being a scientific literature
about scaling.

Literature Survey
Scaling can mainly be described as the deposition of crystalline materials inside the water
(Mackay,2008). Therefore, water producing wells are the possible candidates for scale
formation. The main reasons of scale formation are temperature and pressure change and
incompatibly between brine and formation water. Also, change in water pH degree and change in
CO2/H2S partial pressure may be other possible contributors. (Binmerdhah and Yassin, 2007).
Since the deposition of scaling materials may plug the formation, production tubing, casings,
valves etc. and decreases or cut the production, they cause some economic problems. Therefore,
there are some prevention techniques in order not to cause economic harm. Inhibitors are the
materials that are mostly used to prevent scaling.
They may be both chemical and plant materials which are not common as much as chemical
ones. (Ime-Sunday and Ituen, 2017). Sometimes, prevention methods may not be enough. At that
time, logging tools such as caliper log which measures radius of the bore hole at each depth,
gamma ray log and wireline logs can be used to determine scaling. condition. (Bakiler & Durgut,
2019). If the scaling is proved, both mechanical and chemical treatments might be applied. If the
depth of location of the tubing or scaled equipment whatever it is too much, it may be costly
since the requirement of rig to pull them up. Moreover, since it is not possible to remove scales
from formation it is not effective as much as chemical treatment. On the other hand, for deep
wells and scaling which occurred in near wellbore, it is better to apply chemical treatment. In
that case, strength chemical dissolvers (generally acids) may invade near wellbore and solve the
scaling materials in both well equipment and formation (Al Rawahi et al., 2017).

Time Plan of Research

Actions 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
week week week week week week week week
Meeting X X X X X X X
with
instructor
Meeting X X X X X
with
supervisor
Proposal X
Literature X X X
survey
Information X X X
collection

Compilation X X X
Progress X
Presentation
Poster X
presentation

Note: Number of weeks are based on tentative course schedule. Weeks that shown as “no class”
weren’t counted. Between 4th, 5th and 6th, 7th weeks there are four “no class” weeks. There will be
only instructor meeting online.
References
Al Rawahi, Y.M., Rao, L.N., Shaik, F., (May, 2017), Studies on Scale Deposition in Oil
Industries & Their Control.
Bakiler, C.S. & Durgut, I., (2019), Production Problems, Diagnosis Methods and Solutions.
Middle East Technical University Petroleum Production Engineering 1 Class Notes.
Binmerdhah A.B., & Yassin, A.A.M., (December, 2007), Barium Sulfate Scale Formation in Oil
Reservoir During Water Injection at High-Barium Formation Water.
Ime-Sunday, J.I., & Ituen, E.B., (2017), Inhibition of Oilfield Scales Using Plant Materials: A
Peep into Green Future.
Mackay, E.J., (2008), Oilfield Scale: A New Integrated Approach to Tackle an Old Foe.