BJ S Acid System

STIMULATION
PRODUCTS

AND

SERVICES

Product Information

Applications
Skin, Scale and Stimulation
BJ S3 Acid systems are unique non-hydrofluoric (HF) acid mixtures designed for the following
applications:
one-step removal and inhibition of downhole carbonate scales
stimulation of carbonate formations
stimulation of sandstones containing carbonate minerals reducing flow capacity
stimulation of sandstone formations that are sensitive to HF-based acid systems
injection well stimulation
BJ S3 Acid systems rely on the actions of hydrochloric (HCl) and a powerful chelating and scale-inhibiting
chemical, HV acid. Already in use as part of the industry-leading BJ Sandstone AcidTM system, HV acid enhances
acid system performance and efficiency compared to simple HCl-based treatments.
Acid-sensitive sandstones typically those with a very high content of swelling clays, chlorite clays, feldspars, or
certain zeolites can react with conventional HCI- or HF-based systems to produce precipitates at levels
sometimes high enough that production may actually decline after treatment. Because of such inherent risks
associated with the use of conventional acid systems, many wells with clear indications of skin damage are not
routinely stimulated. Thus, they are left to produce at less-than-optimum rates.
With this revolutionary acid system, a broader range of formations and damage mechanisms can now be
successfully treated. Previously, HF-sensitive formations that could not be hydraulically fractured could not be
effectively stimulated. Now, BJ S3 Acid systems can unlock the reserves in these hard-to-develop intervals.

Features
Skin
Damage caused by drilling, workover and poor well maintenance can act as a downhole choke, strangling
production and increasing drawdown. BJ S3 Acid treatments can remove many of the causes of skin damage.
The combined action of the systems active ingredients can remove many precipitates and naturally occurring
minerals. This combination of precipitate and mineral removal can lead to a dramatic reduction in skin factor.
Scale
BJ S3 Acid formulations combine matrix acidizing and scale inhibition technologies. The active ingredients in the
system will act to remove acid-soluble scales and prevent re-precipitation. BJ S3 Acid treatment also help prevent
long-term formation of scales by reducing the drawdown produced by successful stimulation and through longterm scale inhibition. The latter results from the partial adsorption of one BJ S3 Acid component onto the rock
matrix surfaces from which it gradually desorbs during production.
Stimulation
Because there is no danger of producing damaging precipitates, larger volumes of BJ S3 Acid treatments can be
pumped deep into the formation. With respect to an HCl-based system, the HCl by itself can dissolve many
minerals, including calcite, haematite, siderite, chlorite, ankerite, and dolomite. However, when combined with the
HV acid, the system can further aid in the removal of many insoluble minerals by complexation and
sequestration. The BJ S3 Acid system also leaves the formation strongly water wet the ideal condition for
hydrocarbon production.

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BJ S Acid System
Product Information

Easy to Use
BJ S3 Acid technology is a single-stage stimulation system. Displacement fluid is the only additional treatment
requirement. BJ S3 Acid systems are therefore easy to blend and easy to use. The single-stage action is
especially suitable for diversion techniques such as ball sealers or foam stages. This suitability to diversion
combined with their non-damaging nature make BJ S3 Acid treatments ideal for stimulating long or multiple
intervals in a single operation.

Benefits
The following case example from Southeast Asia shows the effectiveness of the BJ S3 Acid system in combining
scale removal with scale inhibition and the prolonged stimulation that can be accomplished with the system.
S3 Acid Treatment: Downhole Calcite Scale
Removal & Inhibition
1500
Open choke

Oil Rate, bopd

1200

900

600

20-M ay-01: Pump

7 0 b b ls b r ine.
Physical removal
of scale.

300

28-Aug-01: Pump

18-June-01: Pump
1 8 b b l s HC l.
Chemical removal
of scale.

7 2 b b ls S 3 A cid
Chemical removal and
inhibition of scale.

Mar- Apr- May- Jun01

01
01
01

Jul- Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov- Dec- Jan01

01
01
01
01
01
02

Prior to the successful BJ S3 Acid treatment in the

subject well, two scale removal treatments were
conducted. First, after initial rate declined from 1460
to 650 bopd in less than two months, scale was
removed mechanically with brine. The resulting rate
increase was wiped out almost immediately, though,
as rapid re-scaling took place. This necessitated a
further treatment with conventional HCl acid. Scale
was again removed, but followed by the uninhibited
re-occurrence of scale formation. In two months,
rate had declined from 1275 to 480 bopd.
Following this rate decline, the BJ S3 Acid system
was pumped to remove and inhibit scale. BJ S3
Acid treatment dramatically improved overall
response. Rate increased from 480 to 1230 bopd
remaining at nearly 1100 bopd three months later.
After opening the choke, the well was still producing
at elevated rates with continuing scale inhibition.

Because BJ S3 Acid treatment benefits (damage removal & damage prevention) are long lasting, substantial
operation cost savings can be realized as the frequency of workover/scale removal is reduced.
BJ S3 Acid systems can be easily combined with BJs wide range of surfactants, solvents, mutual solvents, iron
control additives and corrosion inhibitors to produce a system that can meet almost all requirements.

Technical Data
Physical Form:
Specific Gravity:
Solubility in Water:
Protective Measures:

Clear to slightly yellow liquid

1.015 1.10
Complete
Cartridge respirator. Chemical resistant goggles. Face shield. Rubber gloves.
Rubber apron. Rubber boots. Coveralls.

Safety Precautions
As for medium-to low-strength mineral acids.
The above features and/or data are supplied solely for informational purposes and BJ Services Company makes no guarantees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to their accuracy or use. All product warranties and guarantees
shall be governed by the BJ Services Company standard at the time of sale or delivery of service. Actual product performance or availability depends on the timing and location of the job, the type of job and the particular characteristics of each
job. This document is controlled by the reference date. To ensure that this is the current version, please reference the Services section of the BJ Services Website (www.bjservices.com) or ask your BJ representative.

8/27/02

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