Kenneth M. Barker, Baker Petrolite/Baker Hughes
In many cases fast identification of the type of problem occurring in a oil, gas, injection or gas storage well is needed before remediation of the problem can start. The longer it takes to identify the problem the more expensive the problem becomes in lost production. Misidentification of the problem can lead to mistreatment which at best does nothing to help the well and could cause additional damage further complicating the well problems. What is needed is a set of simple tests that can be done in the field to tell the difference between organic and inorganic type problems. Is it a paraffin, asphaltene, emulsion, reverse emulsion, bacterial slime, scale, or solids problem? What type of treatment is needed? A set of simple tests will be presented that can determine the type of problem being experienced and what type treatment is needed. Case histories will be presented.