Friday 11, March 2016
09:15 to 10:00 a.m.
B229/029 (Lounge)
(Breakfast from 9:00)
“Use of Reservoir Modelling for Oilfield Scale Management”
By
Eric Mackay
(Heriott Watt University
Abstract:
Mineral scale formation in oilfield production systems has been an issue in the industry for over 50 years, and has been viewed very much as a production problem. We describe how the use of various reservoir simulation and reactive transport models can be used to better understand the impact of reservoir processes on oilfield scaling. These calculations allow us to identify the severity of the potential scaling regime, and to quantify the impact of the scaling problem in the field. Furthermore, the observed reservoir produced brine compositions are telling a story, and this is extremely valuable information when correctly interpreted using the various modeling and prediction tools. In turn, the produced brine composition data can be used to validate and improve the models. However, the appropriate use of these predictive tools requires a thorough understanding of their potential and their limitations, and should always be validated by monitoring of the appropriate field indicators once a field is under production. The general approach is illustrated using field data which the author has worked on in close collaboration with a number of international oil companies. The possibility of extension of this approach to Chemical EOR processes is raised.
Eric Mackay holds the Foundation CMG Chair in Reactive Flow Simulation in the Institute of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, where he is a Principal Investigator for the Flow Assurance and Scale Team (FAST) Joint Industry Project. His research interests include the study of fluid flow and geochemical reactions in porous media. He has over 150 publications related primarily to inorganic scale management and to Carbon Capture and Storage. He was appointed SPE Distinguished Lecturer on the topic of Scale Management during 2007-2008. Eric has taught Reservoir Simulation at Heriot-Watt University since 1990. He holds a BSc in Physics from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University.