Low Viscosity Polymer Free Acid Retarded System, a Novel Alternative to Emulsified Acid: Successful Application in West Kuwait Field

Abstract

Acid systems are widely recognized by the oil and gas industry as an attractive class of fluids for the efficient stimulation of carbonate reservoirs. One of the major challenges in carbonate acidizing treatments is adjusting the convective transport of acid deep into the reservoir while achieving a minimum rock face dissolution. Conventional emulsified acids are hindered by several limitations; low stability at high temperatures, a high viscosity that limits pumping rate due to frictional losses, the potential of formation damage, and the difficulty to achieve homogenous field-scale mixing. This paper highlights the successful application of an engineered low-viscosity retarded acid system without the need for gelation by a polymer or surfactant or emulsification by diesel. An acid stimulation job using a new innovative retarded acid system has been performed in a West Kuwait field well. The proposed acid system combines the use of a strong mineral acid (i.e. hydrochloric acid "HCl") with a non-damaging retarding agent that allows deeper penetration of the live HCl acid into the formation, resulting in a more effective stimulation treatment. The retardation behavior testing includes dissolution experiments, compatibility testing, coreflood study, and corrosion rate testing (conducted at 200°F). The on-job implementation included the use of a packer to pinpoint fluid pumping (pre-flush) at the point of interest, followed by the customized novel retarded acid system for improving conductivity at perforations and effective reservoir stimulation. This acid system is characterized by having a low-viscosity and high thermal stability system that can be mixed on the fly. This approach addresses the main challenges of emulsified acid systems and offers a cost-effective solution to cover a wide range of applications in matrix acid stimulation and high-temperature conditions that require a chemically retarded acid system. The application of this novel acid retarded system is a fit-for-purpose solution to optimize the return on investment by maximizing the well production and extending the lifetime of the treatment effect. This new system also offers excellent scale inhibition and iron control properties which eliminates the need for any acid remedial work, making it an economical approach over other conventional acid systems. The paper presents results obtained after stimulating the carbonate reservoir and describes the lessons learned from the job planning and execution phases, which can be considered as a best practice for application in similar challenges in other fields. Proper candidate selection, best available placement technique, and lab-tested formulation of novel retarded acid system resulted in achieving 1700 BOPD of oil production (27% higher than expected).