Optimizing the Longevity of Injection Wells: A Resource Point of View

Abstract

The life an injection well in the Salton Sea Field depends on: the reservoir, the injection fluid properties, and effective wellbore maintenance. Research demonstrates that matrix permeability deterioration and depth invasion is a function injection fluid total suspended solids and pore fluid velocity. Core analyses from the Salton Sea show predominate pore sizes less than 1 micron, porosity 20 percent, and permeability 7 millidarcys. Calculations, based on injection fluid properties, rates, and reservoir conditions, predict permeability damage and depth invasion may exceed 80 inches. A porosity log before and after injection indicates a reduction in porosity. Analysis sidewall cores shows that underreaming a wellbore three and one-half inches did not remove all the injectionfluid solids, but did increase injectivity.