Patent ID: 6196314
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: C09K,E21B

Abstract:
A method of enhancing production of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation through a production well by injecting fluid into a subsurface injection zone located spaced apart from the production well, said method comprising:mechanically treating water containing a first concentration of precursor ions to produce a treated water containing a second concentration of said precursor ions, said second concentration being less than the first concentration;selecting at least one additive and determining an amount thereof for injection into said injection zone based on the second concentration of the precursor ions and at least one characteristic of the reservoir, said amount of said at least one additive being sufficient to inhibit in-situ growth of crystals due to interaction between said second concentration of precursor ions in said treated water and resident ions in said reservoir that tend to plug formation passageways; andinjecting under pressure said treated water and the amount of said at least one selected additive into the injection zone to enhance the production of hydrocarbons from the reservoir through the production well.