Rick McCurdy and Tony Smith, BJ Chemical Services
Oil Operators in Southeast New Mexico have been very successful in producing wells dual completed in both the Blinebry and Paddock formations. One area of contention, however, has been the mineral saturation in the commingled brine and the incompatibility of the various minerals in the two produced brines. Liquid scale inhibitors, applied conventionally during the fracture stimulation of each zone have not been successful in preventing formation of calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate scales after the wells have been placed on production. This paper details several successful applications of a novel, solid scale inhibitor that is applied with the proppant during the fracturing process. The application of this inhibitor has provided the Operator with maximum production and minimal remedial workover expense through long-term inhibition of calcium scales.