| Title | Addressing the Problem of Decreased Capacity of an Injection Well Due to Accumulation of Debris - the Experience in Well KN1RD, Philippines |
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| Authors | James B. Nogara, Benson M. G. Sambrano, Lorena C. M. Daco-ag and Alejandro V. Catacutan |
| Year | 2010 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Injectivity Index, Work Over, Injection Well, Solids |
| Abstract | Since the onset of operation of Mindanao 2 Geothermal Power Plant in Mindanao, Philippines, waste brine injection has been a challenge. Having initially only one re-injection well KN1RD available to dispose of all the wastewater from 7 production wells with a total brine flow of > 300 TPH, the injection capacity of the well has been critical. Solids entrained in the discharge of Mindanao-2 production wells cause solids accumulation in Pad C Main Brine Line (MBL2) solids traps and re-injection well. This necessitated five mechanical workovers using a drill rig and an acidizing job on KN1RD, in the past 9 years. In addition to workovers, other mitigating measures employed are: installation of solids collector in production well two-phase line, relocation and reconfiguration of the solids trap, installation of a redundant injection line to KN1RD, brine pumping, drilling of additional re-injection well and regular cleanout of solids traps. These measures achieved only partial and temporary successes since these do not address the main problem of discharge of solids from the production wells. The source of the solids in Pad C brine line is well KN3B based on the petrography of the solids collected. This paper outlines the steps undertaken through a multi-disciplinary approach to identify the problems associated with the recurring injection capacity decline in KN1RD and the remedial actions employed to address the problem. Also discussed are the technology frontiers that maybe pursued in the future to solve similar problems in other fields. |