The right chemistry for wellbore cleanup

Most of the work we do at SAS Production Services is in wellbore remediation and stimulation services. We have some amazing filtercake breaker products that uniquely do not require separate acids or acidizing products. We can delay your filtercake from breaking by several days and our technical team is constantly pushing back how long we can provide the delay for. It is impressive stuff.

Today however I want to put forward a less talked element of our work. This is the use of our unique chemistry in wellbore cleanup. Our first downhole work actually was in this application and for some three years we worked with ExxonMobil in the North Sea. The work was an absolute success for a number of reasons.

A simplified process

First of all our chemistry greatly simplified the wellbore cleanup process. Both at surface and in the well the reduction of the number of pills made things a lot easier to handle for the team on the rig. Some of the worst wellbore cleanup programs we have seen had over 20 cleanup pills. All of these have to be prepared, kept separate and pumped at the right time. This increases the number of people required and complicates rig logistics.

With our approach and highly effective chemistry it is possible to use a cleanup train of 3 – 4 pills. Because our chemistry is so effective in removing all mud traces the brine is also returned to specification much faster. This reduces brine requirements and reduces filtration needs.

Microemulsion chemistry

Secondly the unique microemulsion chemistry makes it possible to let the returning slops phase separate under gravity in the pits on the rig. This means a waste reduction of 70 – 97% compared to normal emulsion forming detergent pills.

That the simple change of a standard detergent to the use of our microemulsion can have such a magnificent impact was unexpected for ExxonMobil and for the waste management company involved. The waste management company simply had to leave the waste to stand in a tank and the next day all was nicely separated in oil, water and solids.

Those are the results we can achieve for you as well. We can reduce your chemical consumption by 65%, we can reduce your surface logistics tremendously and we can reduce your slops waste by over 70%.

Give us a call and let’s talk.

Remove Your Risk with SAS Breaker Products

Calling all oil operators - why pay the price for inadequate product development? By using SAS Filtercake Breaker Products you could remove the uncertainty of using bespoke formulations that have proven in the past to be difficult and risky. Here's how...

We all know microemulsions can be fragile and fickle chemistries – especially where environmental variables such as pH, salt concentrations and temperature are concerned. Indeed, some of these environmental variables have been studied in great detail in order to maximize efficiencies of microemulsion products for use in the field - adjusting for salinity effects for EOR applications for example.

Since microemulsions are so specific in their requirements it has been hugely challenging for chemical providers and service companies alike to formulate products that perform beyond these boundaries and limitations – specifically where these variables have such a range from surface pumping to downhole well conditions.

From a pragmatic perspective huge risks, costs and logistical problems arise from having to overcome these issues. Simply blending a treatment pill sufficiently for downhole use, in itself, may be a huge obstacle if the formulation is not stable. It may take excessive work and time on the rig site to try and solubilize a chemistry in particular brines with significant equipment and manpower requirements.

Once solubilized some products have to be deployed into the well within a matter of hours in order to be effective and to avoid having these formulations fall apart and break down. If engineering malfunctions or other delays happen at this point, then the operator may end up paying the bill for hundreds of thousands of dollars in wasted chemical - paying a second time for a fresh batch to be made up after the obstacle to deployment has been overcome.

Then there is the risk of what happens downhole when the conditions (and especially the temperature) may change. Is it really worth taking that risk? We have an alternative!

SAS Production Services Breaker products are fully and readily soluble in brines meaning simple and straight forward preparations - needing less equipment and fewer personnel due to brine compatibility. Our Breakers are also stable over time so any on site delays do not mean wasted cash and chemical – no need for new batches to be made and for hundreds of thousands of dollars to be discharged.

Finally, SASPS Breakers are both robust and temperature stable so they perform every time downhole. What's not to like? Don't take the risk of using bespoke formulations. Use the best. Use SAS Breakers.

Case Study: Wellbore Production - Nigeria 6

30 Years old and as good as new.

In 1989 an operator drilled a well onshore in Nigeria using water based mud. Over the years the production in the well continued to drop and ultimately oil flow was 0 bbl/day. No further production was forthcoming.

On a number of occasions the well was acidized but all attempts to stir the well to life were in vain. The screen was completely blocked and there was also wax in the tubing.

The SAS Solution

Fast forward to 2019 and SAS Production Services chemistry is called in to try and bring the well back to life. Using our microemulsion chemistry and using our micro-dispersant for the wax the chemicals were put to work via coiled tubing in the well. The chemical blend was pumped down into the reservoir section. Injection into the reservoir was made possible by series of pump and relax sequence until the near wellbore pores opened enough to allow smooth and steady pumping rate into the formation.

After a soak period, the well was opened and measurements were taken to see if our chemistry had brough the oil flow back to life.

Results

Results show that production increased from 0 Bpd to 2,880 Bpd on 32/64” choke and with a BSW of 5%.

It goes without saying that the customer was pleased with the production gain. Four more well are coming up and we will let you know how we get on those wells.

For now, if you want to see what we can do with your well, please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you!

How to Return a Well to the Original Permeability and Increase Production

There is less need to drill more wells when existing wells can be completely remediated. It is possible to realise a return to original permeability and experience up to 600% production improvement. SAS Filtercake Removal & Breaker products allow for either drilling fewer wells or the option to remediate existing wells to meet your field development plan and production target. You can double, triple or quadruple your return on investment through the application of our technology while halving the number of planned wells or workovers.

SAS Breaker products are superior in the following attributes:

1. Off the shelf suite of products can be quickly deployed no matter what your application is – no requirement for extensive lab customization, just some quick compatibility tests.

2. Single pill train with a one can application – minimize rig pumping time and equipment required, does not require viscous pills to remain intact while deploying.

3. Phase stable – when applied they will not separate and remain fully effective for extended periods of time.

4. Simple preparation and mixing, no shearing required – just add the solution to the brine of your requirements.

5. Can be designed to be instantaneous active or delayed action.

6. Can be utilized with Mono or Duo Valent Brines with zero detrimental effect.

7. Do not require temperature to activate and completely thermodynamically stable.

8. Extremely efficient diffusion where it water wets and coats all solids.

9. Breaks all in-situ emulsion blocks.

10. In-situ acid generators will solubilize all Calcium Carbonate base filtercakes.

11. Creates fluidity and full mobilization of filter cake solids and all fines.

12. Smaller delta-P in producers and injectors resulting in substantially reduced reservoir damage.

What is the value to you of a simply applied solution that effectively gives you ‘free wells’? Why not get in contact today and find out!

For more information about these impressive products download the Product Data Sheets here:

From 0 to 1,200 with SAS Breaker

The story you know - Well Performance

When it comes to well performance every story starts the same. An operator in Nigeria approached us with a well drilled in 1992 using water based mud and with a current production of 0 bbl/day. Over the years production had gradually declined until finally oil flow stopped entirely. The oil for this particular well was quite heavy at 16 API and gas lifts and acid treatments had all come to nothing.

The story we want - Well Stimulation

We love ourselves a challenge and a non-producing well where the competition has not had any results is almost too good a challenge to ignore.

And so the SAS Breaker 162B was called into action. This microemulsion product has shown itself effective around the world from India to the North Sea and the Middle East. This time Nigeria was the destination for the SAS Breaker 162B.

The well itself was a vertical in sandstone. Using a coiled tubing unit the product was placed in the well and left to soak. It restored the near-wellbore permeability by completely removing the near wellbore damage and water-wetting the sand grains.

After the soak period both strings were opened. The short string production increase from 0 Bopd to 450 Bopd (without gas lift), while the long string production increased from 0 Bopd to 750 Bopd (with gas lift). Both strings have 0% BSW.

A completely dead well was revived and brought back to life producing 1,200 barrels of quality oil per day. Not bad for a happy ending!

Case Study: Wellbore Production - Nigeria 3

An operator in Nigeria needed to increase oil production from a vertical well drilled in a sandstone reservoir onshore Nigeria. SAS Production Services provided our microemulsion SAS Breaker 162SC chemistry to completely restore the near-wellbore to its original permeability and increase production. 

The Problem

The well was drilled and put into production in 1993. Oil base mud was used for the drilling of the reservoir section and the well was completed with a screen inside the casing. The oil production rate had continuously declined over the years to 250 bbl/d, and total production (oil and water) declined to 180 bbl/d. The operator was looking for a solution to increase the well production and productivity index.

The SAS Solution

The SAS Breaker 162SC was deployed with coil tubing into the short string and the coil was run in to about 100 ft above the perforation. It was not run to the perforation depth to avoid getting the coil stuck from wrapping around the long string. The chemical blend was semi-bullheaded down into the reservoir section and allowed to soak for the desired period.

It restored the near-wellbore permeability by completely removing the near wellbore damage and water-wetting the sand grains. 

After the soak period, the well was opened and production increased by 476%, from 250 Bopd to 1,440 Bopd. 

To Sum Up...

• Increased well production from 250 Bopd to 1,440 Bopd on the same choke size. This represents 476% increase (or 5.76 times the pre-treatment rate).

• Total production increased from 280 bbl/d to 1,440 bbl/d (zero water cut).

• Productivity of 1,440 Bopd was measured at a separate pressure of 330psi whereas LP tank at the customers facility is at 65psi. Flow rate into the LP tank of 65psi is estimated to be more than 3,000 bbl/d.

Find out more about this case study here:

Case Study: Wellbore Production - Nigeria 2

An operator in Nigeria needed to increase oil production from a horizontal well drilled in a heavy and viscous, low pressure, oil reservoir. SAS Production Services provided our microemulsion SAS Breaker 162SC chemistry to completely restore the near-wellbore to its original permeability and increase production. 

The Problem

The well was drilled in 2014 and oil production had steadily declined to a low value of 98 bbl/d, and total production (oil and water) declined to 110 bbl/d. The operator was looking for a solution to increase the well production and productivity index.

The SAS Solution

The SAS Breaker 162SC was deployed with coil tubing across the reservoir section and allowed to soak for the desired period.

It restored the near-wellbore permeability to its original virgin state by completely removing the damage caused by the drilling mud when the well was drilled, completely removing all the downhole in-situ emulsion that formed during production, and water-wetting all sand grains. 

After the soak period, the well was opened and SAS Breaker 162SC had successfully remediated the horizontal well, removing near-wellbore formation damage and increasing production by 802%, from 98 bbl/d to 886 bbl/d. 

After the well flowed for one month, the operator turned on a gas lift valve and the oil production further ramped up to 1,290 bbl/d.

To Sum Up...

• Increased well production from 98 bbl/d to 886 bbl/d on the same choke size. This represents 802% increase (or 9.02 times the pre-treatment rate).

• Total production increased from 110 bbl/d to 1,385 bbl/d.

• Productivity index increased, enabling a single gas lift valve to increase oil production to 1,290 bbl/d.

Find out more about this case study here:

Case Study: Wellbore Production - Nigeria 1

An operator in Nigeria needed to increase oil production from a horizontal well drilling in a heavy and viscous, low pressure, oil reservoir. SAS Production Services provided our microemulsion SAS Breaker 162SC chemistry to completely restore the near-wellbore to its original permeability and increase production. 

The Problem

The well was drilled in 2015 and oil production had steadily declined to a low value of 283 bbl/d, and total production (oil and water) declined to 552 bbl/d. The operator was looking for a solution to increase the well production and productivity index.

The SAS Solution

The SAS Breaker 162SC was deployed with coil tubing across the reservoir section and allowed to soak for the desired period.

It restored the near-wellbore permeability to its original virgin state by completely removing the damage caused by the drilling mud when the well was drilled, completely removing all the downhole in-situ emulsion that formed during production, and water-wetting all sand grains. 

After the soak period, the well was opened and SAS Breaker 162SC had successfully remediated the horizontal well, removing near-wellbore formation damage and increasing production by 259%, from 283 bbl/d to 1,016 bbl/d. 

After the well flowed for one month, the operator turned on a gas lift valve and the oil production further ramped up to 1,620 bbl/d.

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To Sum Up...

• Increased well production from 283 bbl/d to 1,016 bbl/d on the same choke size. This represents 259% increase (or 3.59 times the pre-treatment rate).

• Total production increased from 552 bbl/d to 1,722 bbl/d.

• Productivity index increased, enabling a single gas lift valve to increase oil production to 1,620 bbl/d.

Find out more about this case study here:

Case Study: Wellbore Clean Up - North Sea

An offshore service company used SAS WellboreClean 116SC for a casing cleaning project in the North Sea. In doing so, the service team was able to reduce the cleaning times by 60% and reduce the chemical train by 70%.

The Problem...

The service company needed the SAS product to complete a drilling well so that it could be handed back over to production in minimal time with minimal waste production. Therefore, the key project outcomes were: 

• To reduce downtime and bring forward well production

• To reduce the volume of waste produced from well completion

The SAS Solution...

Using SAS WellboreClean 116SC not only were the team able to hand back the well in record time, they also significantly reduced the waste, compared to standard detergents/solvents.

Afterwards a brine completion string was run and the well was completed and handed over to production. SAS WellboreClean 116SC successfully eliminated the need to use additional detergents, solvents, high viscous spacers or carry out multiple flushes with seawater and brine. 

To Sum Up...

The total reduction in waste volume produced from the job using the SAS product was over 92%. SAS WellboreClean 116SC was successful in enabling the simple treatment of waste both on and offshore. 

As can be seen in the picture on the right, the solids were able to be recovered for disposal, the water was safe for disposal to sea and the base oil was recovered for re-use. 

Find out more about this case study here:

SAS Products Effectively Clean-Up OBM Filtercake

One of our customers in West Africa put our Filtercake Removal & Breaker Products to the test, carrying out a laboratory evaluation to test their effectiveness on oil based mud (OBM) filtercake clean-up. Two products were chosen for this experiment, the SAS Breaker F and the SAS Breaker 162B. The aim was to simulate the effectiveness of each of these products on the dissolution and cleanup of filtercake formed by drilling fluid.

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Test Parameters...     

• BHST - 200 F (93oC)

• Pressure - 200 Psi

• Brine - KCL weighted to 9.5 ppg

• Duration - 24 hours shut in period

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The results...

In the first test we used:

Breaker F: 7.5% by volume - 0.075bbl/bbl

Breaker 162B: 8% by volume - 0.08bbl/bbl

This combination completely dissolved the filter and there was no residual carbonate left on the filtercake after application (pictured below).

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In the second test we used:

Breaker F: 10% by volume - 0.1bbl/bbl

Breaker 162B: 8% by volume - 0.08bbl/bbl

This approach was also successful in completely dissolving the filter, leaving no residual carbonate on the filtercake (pictured below).

We always provide our customers with successful results, and we can do this for you too. SAS keep costs down and get production up, so why not contact us today!

SAS Filtercake Removal West Africa Lab Study

SAS Breaker Filtercake Removal Products are suitable for oil based mud (OBM) based on synthetics, oil and esters containing calcium carbonate. The unique SAS products are robust and work with any OBM or brine type and quickly solubilize the oil from the drilling mud – no need for bespoke formulation.

A great example of the SAS Breaker 162SC at work comes from a Lab Study (which can be downloaded here) we done for one of our customers in West Africa. In the picture on the left is the untreated OBM cake. In this case we treated the filtercake with a combination of SAS Breaker 162SC and SAS Breaker F (formic acid generating). Both products were used at 10% concentration.

Perfectly solubilised in a monovalent brine and using a 24-hour soak at 200F (93C) the SAS Breaker products achieved almost complete removal.

We can do this for you on your producing or injector wells. We keep costs down and get production up! So why not contact us today to find out more!  

SAS Breaker Products Put to the Test in India

Our customer, based in Asia, was experiencing difficulty in meeting production expectations from new wells. They drilled using Oil Based Muds (OBM) in a heavy oil reservoir. They were using thermal stimulation in order to decrease the viscosity of the oil. However, no mud damage treatment had been used before activating the well and they were not producing the expected volumes. SAS Production Services knew that our products could help. 

The operator was aware that the drill-in fluid damage was significant and beyond the capabilities of their usual treatment methods. Many lab tests were conducted and the SAS Breaker products were a clear winner, outperforming the other potential solutions being considered.

SAS Breaker treatment fluid was used to dissolve and displace the OBM used to drill the wells. The operator decided to use remedial treatments based on displacing SAS Breaker for OBM fluid into the screens spanning the reservoir sections, using coiled tubing.

SAS Breaker products are a patented approach using unique microemulsions to mobilize hydrocarbons in the skin created by the OBM. SAS Breaker products can be combined with most available acids and acid precursor products. This aids to dissolve calcium carbonate that is often found in OBM and filtercake. The fluid was placed in each well using coiled tubing and left downhole for the required soak period. The wells were then returned to production.

For more information on our amazing Breaker products, visit our website or contact us today!

SAS Filtercake Breaker Products Stability & Success

The SAS team brought microemulsion chemical technology for well remediation and stimulation to the fore in the Oil and Gas industry from the first offshore commercial work undertaken in 2003 and 2004. The advantageous cleaning and water wetting capabilities of this chemical technology had first been proven by SAS in key industry waste management applications since 1998 and then in surface cleanup applications. The progression to remediating the downhole environment was a natural extension of these capabilities.

Many service companies looking to adopt our approach continue to struggle with technical and operational issues in this area of application. The technical demands of this extreme environment have proven challenging and, in turn, have presented logistical, operational and ultimately financial risks as a result. In particular the ability to provide chemical solutions that are robust to the variety of extreme environmental variables has been significant. In particular SAS Breakers:

1. Are completely and readily soluble in different brine types and densities

2. Are phase stable in different brine types and densities

3. Are temperature stable in brines

3. Are compatible with different OBMs and base oil types

4. Maintain optimal technical performance capabilities across multiple brine types

SAS Production Services has overcome all of these technical challenges and presents synergistic well remediation solutions that are reliable, robust, simple, easy to deploy in the field and which provide proven and repeatable results time and time again - irrespective of the situation for each well. In addition, SAS can provide products which:

1. Contain no alcohols or other low flash point solvents

2. Have no flag for replacement warnings under CEFAS

3. Have no odour issues and HSE downsides

4. Can be used across the board for multiple downhole remediation applications

5. Combine a multitude of different modes of action into a single effective product

6. Provide value for money and are extremely cost effective without compromising performance

7. Can offer sustained increased oil production from treated wells

In summary, if you want to realize an almost immediate yet sustained return on your investment without having to wait for bespoke formulations, and without having to run the risk of damaging wells because of environmental sensitivity affecting the potential outcome, the choice is simple. Invest in the originators of the technology and the experts in the field. The option of choice should be SAS Filtercake Removal & Breaker Products each and every time…

12 Reasons Why You Need Our Breaker Products for Your Wells

SAS Production Services filtercake removal, in-situ emulsion block removal, and fines block removal products are the best available on the market today. SAS breaker products are highly effective in both enhancing production in new wells and increasing injectivity for water injectors. The products also offer the best well remediation chemical technology for existing wells.

There is less need to drill more wells when existing wells can be completely remediated. It is possible to realise a return to original permeability and experience up to 600% production improvement. SAS Filtercake Removal & Breaker products allow for either drilling fewer wells or the option to remediate existing wells to meet your field development plan and production target. You can double, triple or quadruple your return on investment through the application of our technology while halving the number of planned wells or workovers.

SAS Breaker products are superior in the following attributes:

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1. Off the shelf suite of products can be quickly deployed no matter what your application is – no requirement for extensive lab customization, just some quick compatibility tests.

2. Single pill train with a one can application – minimize rig pumping time and equipment required, does not require viscous pills to remain intact while deploying.

3. Phase stable – when applied they will not separate and remain fully effective for extended periods of time.

4. Simple preparation and mixing, no shearing required – just add the solution to the brine of your requirements.

5. Can be designed to be instantaneous active or delayed action.

6. Can be utilized with Mono or Duo Valent Brines with zero detrimental effect.

7. Do not require temperature to activate and completely thermodynamically stable.

8. Extremely efficient diffusion where it water wets and coats all solids.

9. Breaks all in-situ emulsion blocks.

10. In-situ acid generators will solubilize all Calcium Carbonate base filtercakes.

11. Creates fluidity and full mobilization of filter cake solids and all fines.

12. Smaller delta-P in producers and injectors resulting in substantially reduced reservoir damage.

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What is the value to you of a simply applied solution that effectively gives you ‘free wells’? Why not get in contact today and find out!

For more information about these impressive products download the Product Data Sheets here:

OTC 2019 - Celebrating 50 Years

"For 50 years, OTC has encouraged scientists and engineers to develop innovative technologies that have unleashed the potential of offshore energy sources needed for global growth and progress."

Next week the SAS-PS team will be in attendance at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, taking place from Monday the 6th - Thursday the 9th of May.

OTC is recognised as the largest global event for the oil and gas industry, boasting more than 500,000 sq. ft of exhibit space. 

We are very excited for this event as over 60,000 energy professionals from more than 100 countries, and over 2,000 leading providers of products and services are expected to converge at OTC this year. All ready to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.

This year is particularly special as it will be a celebration of 50 years of OTC. This celebration is a recognition of OTC's deep commitment to the people and companies who have helped the event reach this milestone.

"Since 1969, OTC has brought energy sector pioneers together to discuss offshore’s evolution and to experience ground-breaking innovations in one place, at one time."

For more information visit the OTC website.

OTC is a great event for the international oil and gas community so if you're going to be there be sure to visit us throughout the week at the UK Pavilion in the NRG Centre (Energy Industries Council Stand, Booth #1539). 

If you are interested in arranging a meeting with SAS-PS during OTC, please get in contact.

We would love to see you there!

Overview of the SAS-PS Filtercake Products

In this blog, we are going to provide you with everything you need to know about our full range of Filtercake Removal & Breaker Products. Here is a brief introduction and overview...

The SAS Production Services team has been the developing force behind many of the more well known filtercake breakers on the market today. Our expertise in developing microemulsion based oilfield products has resulted in the next generation of filtercake removal or breaker products.

Specifically aimed at resolving Oil Based Mud (OBM) damage we supply these products direct to our customers. Our track record covers West Africa, the North Sea, India and the Middle East and results in production improvements of 200% - 620%.

SAS-PS has a wide range of versatile, proven filtercake breaker products (see below) that work in virtually any type of brine system. Our unique technology means no custom formulation is needed and costs are reduced by simple, robust products that deliver the right results.

 
We believe the SAS-PS Breaker product line is the most effective and most economic option available on the market. Contact us today to discuss your requirements!