Project title
Optimisation of Injection Brine Composition and Impact of Geochemical Reactivity on Oilfield Scaling
Project abstract
Water injection is a common oil recovery technique employed to sustain reservoir pressure; however, it frequently induces scale formation (especially inorganic scale), particularly when seawater is used. The interaction between injected seawater and formation water can lead to the precipitation of sulphate-based scales.
My project investigates the geochemical processes that influence the composition of produced water through the application of thermodynamic, reactive transport, and reservoir simulation models. The central research question addresses the optimal timing, duration, and target composition when treating injection brine. Both synthetic and field-specific brine compositions, including those from a North Sea reservoir, are examined.
The study also evaluates the impact of brine composition on scale formation and management, considering operational parameters such as flow rates, reservoir dynamics, and compositional differences between Full Sulphate Seawater (FSSW) and Low Sulphate Seawater (LSSW), as well as thermal and CO₂ variations.