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Permeability Decline by Clay Fines Migration around a Low-Salinity Fluid Injection Well.
Abdullah Cihan1, Robin Petrusak2, Pramod Bhuvankar1
1Energy Geosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA.
Ground Water
|August 13, 2021
Summary
Clay fines migration due to low-salinity fluid injection causes permeability decline and reduced well injectivity in sandstone formations. This damage may be partially reversible by brine backflow after injection.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Geology
- Reservoir Engineering
Background:
- Clay fines migration is a significant concern in sandstone formations during low-salinity fluid injection.
- Decreased salinity can lead to clay detachment, migration, and pore clogging, reducing well injectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the field-scale impacts of clay fines migration on permeability decline.
- To analyze the relationship between clay fines migration and well injectivity reduction in a deep sandstone reservoir.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a numerical model incorporating low-salinity water mixing, clay fines detachment, and pore-clogging processes.
- Interpreted pressure buildup data from successive variable-rate water injections in a deep sandstone reservoir.
Main Results:
- Model interpretation indicates clay fines migration and pore clogging are the primary causes of observed injectivity reduction.
- Simulations show rapid permeability decline near the well within the first hour of injection.
- Measured pressure buildup decay suggests potential partial reversibility of permeability damage.
Conclusions:
- Clay fines migration significantly impacts well injectivity in sandstone reservoirs.
- The observed permeability damage may be partly reversible, warranting further investigation into backflow effects.
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