An asphaltene threat was identified in production wells located in a Gulf of Mexico deepwater field. During reservoir-fluids characterization, asphaltenes were identified as a key risk factor for successful field development. This paper presents an integrated approach to evaluate the key elements of asphaltene risk for deepwater projects, the strategy to manage the issues during production implementation, and aspects to be considered in the mitigation of asphaltene in the field-development plan.
Introduction
Asphaltene precipitation and deposition can occur at different stages during petroleum production, causing reservoir formation damage and plugging of pipelines and production equipment.
Remediation of asphaltene deposits requires solvent-soaking operations, followed by removal through exposure to turbulent flow. These intensive operations require high amounts of chemical solvents with potential effects on health, safety, and environment, along with production deferrals because of operations downtime.
The focus of this study is to understand the effects of asphaltene precipitation in a Gulf of Mexico deepwater field.
