Advancements in Evaluating Formation Damage in Water Injector Wells: A Comprehensive Methodological Approach
Authors: Cardenas J. C. , Escobar M. A. , Prada A. , Jaimes M. , Conde O. R. , Galvis H. 
Published: February 2024

The objectives of this paper are to diagnose and evaluate formation damage in water injector wells in the Dina Cretaceo, Palogrande, and Tello fields. It aims to analyze the characteristics of injection water, identify causes of damage, and assess the effectiveness of an acid stimulation treatment. The scope includes developing a diagnostic methodology, proposing solutions, and providing insights for optimizing hydrocarbon exploitation processes. This study utilized a comprehensive approach to evaluate formation damage in water injector wells. The methodology involved reviewing historical data, characterizing injection water, assessing encrusting tendencies, and analyzing the impact of high injection rates. Coreflooding tests with native-state core plugs were conducted to induce damage and evaluate the effectiveness of an acid stimulation treatment. Physicochemical analyses, fluid-fluid compatibility tests, and displacement tests were performed under simulated reservoir conditions. The collected data provided insights into the formation damage and the efficacy of the proposed treatment, contributing to a better understanding of the problem and potential solutions. The study investigated formation damage in water injector wells and made important observations. Analysis revealed the presence of calcium carbonate and iron carbonate encrustation, while iron sulfate concentrations were low. Water quality assessments highlighted the need for optimization to meet NACE standards. Physicochemical and infrared spectroscopy IR analysis identified clayey solids and iron oxides in the injection water, contributing to damage. Coreflooding tests using native-state core plugs demonstrated immediate permeability reduction due to low-quality water, but acid stimulation treatment effectively mitigated the damage and improved permeability. These findings confirm the treatment's efficacy in addressing formation damage. In summary, this study emphasizes the significance of water quality and its compatibility with injection wells to prevent formation damage. It underscores the importance of process optimization at pumping stations and the need to address clayey solids and iron oxides. The successful application of acid stimulation treatment offers a promising solution for restoring and enhancing damaged formations in water injector wells. By identifying causes of damage and evaluating treatment effectiveness, this research provides valuable insights for mitigating damage and optimizing injection well performance. This paper provides novel information on formation damage in water injector wells, studying the causes and effective treatment methods. It explores encrustation tendencies and the impact of clayey solids and iron oxides in injection water. The successful application of acid stimulation treatment to restore permeability contributes to the existing knowledge base. This research optimizes well performance and mitigates formation damage, benefiting the petroleum industry.