Aquifer Management in Hydrocarbon Exploitation Operations

Abstract

The exploration and production of hydrocarbons require the management of associated aquifers not only because they must be intercepted and isolated during the drilling process, but also because they can be used as reservoirs for the final disposal of connate water, or as a source to maintain the energy of reservoirs and enhanced oil recovery operations. Despite the technological advances in the management of aquifers in the hydrocarbon industry, these kinds of operations have not been free of risks and opposition. Primary oil exploitation, improved oil recovery, and disposal of remaining water operations usually involve medium and deep aquifers that have physical, chemical, and geomechanical characteristics that may differ greatly from those known in shallow aquifers. Therefore, a detailed study of the porous media as well as the contained, produced, or reinjected fluids is an obligation for the regulation compliments and the safe handling of these operations. This chapter deals with issues associated with the chemical interaction of water, the problems that may arise from an incorrect evaluation or management, and the phenomena that can show a problem or evolution in injection operations. Finally, corrective, and preventive treatments and procedures that are commonly used in the hydrocarbon industry are specified.