Matrix Acidizing Parallel Core Flooding Apparatus

Abstract

Matrix acidizing is a well stimulation procedure where acid is injected down the wellbore or coil tubing and into the reservoir near the wellbore region. Wellbore damage is a common issue in the oil field. The primary goal of matrix acidizing in carbonate reservoirs is to bypass wellbore damage by creating highly conductive channels that go several feet into the formation, known as wormholes.

The goal of laboratory experiments is to find an optimum injection rate to create dominant wormholes and provide this information to the field. To conduct various experiments, core flooding setups are created. The setup consists of a core holder, accumulator, overburden pump, injection pump, accumulator, pressure sensors, and a back pressure regulator. Results from matrix acidizing core flooding in laboratory conditions provide an understand for wormhole growth, acid diversion, injection rates, and adds a variety of liquid chemicals for testing at reservoir pressures and temperatures.

The first objective was to design, assemble, and test a matrix acidizing parallel core flooding apparatus. The apparatus was rated for 5,000 psi and 250 ?F. Combinations of the various mechanical components were chosen appropriately to meet the requirements. Electrical wiring and data acquisition hardware was assembled. LabVIEW software code was written for controlling temperature and recording data. The second objective was to create a documented method for conducting experiments.