API VOCATIONAL BOOK 3

Abstract

FOREWORD <br> The underground injection of water, whether into waterfloods or disposal systems, is an integral portion of the cost of producing oil. The magnitude of this cost has increased because more water is being produced as: <br> &#9642; More reservoirs are nearing completion. <br> &#9642; Wells are being produced to higher water-cut due to the demand for oil. <br> &#9642; Many older waterfloods are being expanded and new ones started in order to recover once marginal reserves. <br> The expense of injecting larger volumes of produced water is further compounded by the rapid rise in the cost of energy needed to inject this water and the increasingly higher costs of measures needed to protect the environment. <br> The objective of this manual is to provide information for field operating personnel on the systems, methods and practices to most economically operate an underground injection program while maintaining the schedules and volumes required. <br> The manual is written to help the overseer of the system solve many of the problems associated with underground water injection. Its intent is to provide the reader with information regarding the following: <br> a. Suitable design of the injection system including wells, lines and surface facilities. <br> b. Regulations and other restrictions related to subsurface water injection. <br> c. Measures to be taken to protect life, property and the public interest. <br> d. Factors which affect injection cost. <br> The material in this manual is of a basic, cursory, and introductory nature. The reader should consult technical experts for more detailed information on specific items of interest.