Development of a high-density lead acetate-monoethylene glycol completion fluid for HPHT reservoirs

Development of a high-density lead acetate-monoethylene glycol completion fluid for HPHT reservoirs

Well completion fluids are vital for hydrocarbon extraction and well integrity, particularly in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) reservoirs. Conventional calcium bromide brines, though dense, face economic and logistical challenges in Iran due to import dependency. This study introduces a cost...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ali Naghipour, Ehsan Khamehchi, Javad Mahdavi Kalatehno
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Results in Engineering
Subjects:
Completion fluids
High-density brines
Lead acetate
Monoethylene glycol
Wettability alteration
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025018304
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Well completion fluids are vital for hydrocarbon extraction and well integrity, particularly in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) reservoirs. Conventional calcium bromide brines, though dense, face economic and logistical challenges in Iran due to import dependency. This study introduces a cost-effective, high-density alternative using locally sourced lead acetate and monoethylene glycol (MEG), achieving a density of 107 lb/ft³—a 37% increase over baseline lead acetate brine (78 lb/ft³). The optimized formulation combines pumpability (64.5 cP viscosity) with exceptional thermal stability: negligible corrosion (0.0004 mils/year at 300°F) and controlled clay swelling (7 cc/3 g bentonite). Alcohol integration further enhanced freeze resistance (crystallization temperature < −4°F), surpassing calcium bromide brines. Despite transient turbidity at 25°C, the fluid stabilized at reservoir temperatures (300°F), confirming HPHT suitability. A critical wettability shift from oil-wet to water-wet in sandstone formations was observed, suggesting potential oil recovery benefits. Economically, the fluid reduces costs by 40–50% by eliminating bromide imports. This lead acetate-MEG system offers a sustainable, high-performance solution for Iran’s HPHT reservoirs, with global applicability in similar environments.
ISSN:2590-1230

Similar Items