Sustainable Emulsified Acid Treatments for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Injection Wells: A Case Study in the Qusahwira Field

Emulsified acid treatments present an innovative and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional hydrochloric acid (HCl) methods in enhancing oil recovery. This study investigates the application of a stable emulsified acid formulation in matrix acidizing operations to improve injectivity in four wells within the Qusahwira Field. Compared to traditional 15% HCl treatments, the emulsified acid demonstrates deeper acid penetration and retardation effect leading to enhanced injection rate. By delivering deep worm holing effects against calcium carbonate formation, this dual-phase system enhances injectivity by 14 times while minimizing the environmental and material impacts associated with spent acid volumes. The methodology integrates advanced neural network modeling to predict stimulation outcomes based on 15 operational and reservoir factors. This model reduces the trial-and-error approach, cutting operational costs and time for carbonate reservoir. Field trials reveal significant improvements in injection pressure and a marked reduction in circulation pressure during stimulation, underscoring the treatment’s efficiency. Developed in a Superior Abu Dhabi laboratory, the emulsified acid achieves high-temperature stability (200 °F) and deep acid penetration, further reducing the ecological footprint of acid stimulation by enhancing operational precision and reducing chemical use. This paper highlights a sustainable approach to optimizing reservoir productivity, aligning with global efforts to minimize environmental impacts in oil recovery processes.