Oilfield complications in production wells: Practical application for ESP protection

Where conventional methods offer partial solutions, solid inhibitor containers, such as TRIL, have shown superior performance in mitigating scale, paraffin, and corrosion in wells, writes Stanislav Lialin, founder of L-Reagent

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OIL production wells are exposed to multiple complications that threaten equipment reliability and production stability.

Among the most common challenges are mineral scale deposition, paraffin and asphaltene accumulation, corrosion of metallic surfaces, and formation of emulsions.

These issues directly reduce the lifetime of electrical submersible pumps (ESPs), shorten mean time between repairs (MTBR), and lead to unplanned workovers.

For operators, particularly in the Middle East onshore fields, mitigating these complications is not only a technical priority but also a matter of economic survival.

This article explores both conventional and modern approaches to well protection, with special focus on the TRIL® solid inhibitor container technology.

OILFIELD COMPLICATIONS IN PRODUCTION WELLS

Scale deposition originates when produced water, containing dissolved salts, such as calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, and strontium compounds, undergoes changes in pressure and temperature.

The precipitation of these salts results in hard, crystalline deposits that obstruct tubing and clog ESP intakes.

In severe cases, scaling can completely block fluid flow, forcing immediate well intervention.

Paraffin and asphaltene deposition represent another complication: As temperature drops, wax molecules crystallise and form solid layers along tubing surfaces.

This wax accumulation reduces internal diameter and increases pump loads.

Corrosion, accelerated by high salinity and gas components, further weakens tubing and ESP housings.

Additionally, emulsions complicate separation processes, raising processing costs and reducing oil quality.

Together, these factors reduce operational reliability and impose significant economic burdens on oil producers.

CONVENTIONAL MITIGATION METHODS