Analysis of production decline curves revealed that three candidate wells in West Texas depleted faster than indicated by a type decline curve, indicating a potentially abnormal permeability-reduction mechanism. A biosurfactant-based squeeze program was recommended and applied in three horizontal wells. The biosurfactant treatment offers an alternative and economical method for remediation of formation damage caused by high‑molecular-weight paraffin wax deposition in porous media that does not require costly intervention techniques to apply.
Introduction
The Bone Springs horizontal oil play in the Delaware Basin spans from southeast New Mexico into West Texas. Stacked, multipay reservoirs, each with diverse rock properties, possess upside but also complexity.
