SQUEEZE modelling: treatment design and case histories

Modeling of scale inhibitor squeeze treatments is routinely performed to assist with chemical selection and to optimize treatment design. A systematic approach to the use of squeeze models that use laboratory data and field experience to assess, simply and effectively, the options for treatment design was presented. In general, the scale inhibitor squeeze process comprises pumping a preflush solution (0.1% inhibitor in KCl of seawater), followed by the selected scale inhibitor (normally in the concentration range of 5-20 vol % in KCl or seawater), and finally an overflush stage (using inhibited seawater of KCl). Squeeze modeling could be used in three key stages of the scale management process where scale control is achieved by inhibitor squeeze treatments, i.e., chemical selection based on coreflood data, optimization of first field squeeze design based on coreflood, and optimization of subsequent squeeze designs based on field data from previous treatments. The most sensitive parameters were inhibitor type, inhibitor volume, and overflush volume.