Electrokinetics Technology to Improve Acidizing of Carbonate Reservoir Rocks

Sanghee Shin, George V. Chilingar, Mohammed Haroun, Kenneth Wittle, Najmedin Meshkati, Sibel Pamukcu, Jaehyeung Jeoung, Hobon Koo

Electropetroleum Inc., Villanova, USA.
Geotechnical Engineering Research Division, Korea Institute of Construction Technology, Goyang City, South Korea.
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, USA.
Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/jep.2013.44A001                

Abstract

A novel technology (electrokinetics) is proposed to improve acidizing operations, i.e., increase the penetration distance. The acid dissolves the carbonates (limestones/dolomites), enlarging the pores and increasing the width of pre-existing fractures. This gives rise to an increase in permeability. The principal acid commonly used is hydrochloric (HCl), which is pumped through tubing. Aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid (usually 15%) are pumped into the carbonate formations to enlarge the pores and pre-existing fractures. Without application of D.C. current, the penetration distance is usually very short, especially in tight rocks. However, the penetration distance of acid is very short. By applying D.C. current, one can drive the acid for long distances into the formation being acidized.

Keywords

Acidizing; Electorkinetics; Carbonate Rocks; Penetration Distance; Stimulation

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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