Reservoir Engineering Evaluation of Water Rock Compatibility and Permeability Damage in PX Field
Keywords:
Waterflooding, Reservoir Rock Compatibility, Injection Water, Fine Migration, Formation DamageAbstract
Compatibility between injection fluids and reservoir rocks is a crucial factor in the success of waterflooding operations, particularly in reservoirs with complex characteristics. The objective of this study is to evaluate injection water–reservoir rock compatibility from a reservoir engineering perspective, focusing on permeability impairment mechanisms caused by fine migration and suspended solids during water injection in PX Field. Rock samples were collected from a specific formation, while injection water was obtained from the Water Injection Plant (WIP). Laboratory tests involved injecting both TSS-free water and water containing suspended solids into 1.5-inch core plugs placed vertically in a Hassler-type core holder under an overburden pressure of 1,725 psi, backpressure of 250 psi, and room temperature conditions. The injection water had a viscosity of 0.95 cP. Results showed a significant reduction in permeability of up to 98% in the PX Field sample. The decline occurred rapidly, intermittently, and in stages, initially suggesting clay swelling. However, XRD analysis revealed negligible smectite content, ruling out clay swelling as the dominant mechanism. Instead, permeability loss was primarily caused by pore blockage due to fine migration and suspended particles, as confirmed by particle size distribution (PSD) and TSS data. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive rock–fluid compatibility assessments prior to water injection implementation to prevent formation damage and optimize waterflooding performance.
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