Scale Prediction and Laboratory Evaluation of BaSO4 Scale Inhibitors for Seawater Flood in a High-Barium Environment

Abstract

The potential for scale formation after seawater injection must be carefully studied when a new oil field is being developed in order to provide proper input data for the basic engineering design. This paper presents the results of a study of several facets of scale occurrence and control for a developing North Sea field characterized by a high-salinity, high-barium (up to 1,000 ppm) formation brine. The results justify consideration of new technologies, such as treatment of the seawater to reduce the sulfate content.