REVIEWED P2 OPTIONS
for the
Oil and Gas - Well Completion Process

Following are a set of P2 options you may wish to implement. No option is perfect for everyone, but sometimes options that have worked at one facility can work at yours. They might also serve as inspiration.

Reviewed Oil and Gas - Well Completion Options

Following are a list of options that have been reviewed by pollution prevention specialists. These options have worked at other facilities and may work at yours.

Prevent paraffin formation

• Install magnetic fluid conditioner to prevent paraffin formation
• Use paraffin inhibitor chemicals.
• Use hot-oil treatment to dissolve paraffin in well and flow lines.

Reduce lubricating oil

• Test oil and extend its use based on wear versus accumulated operating hours. [Note: Many lubricating oil suppliers offer testing service at no charge.]
• Recycle in-process whenever possible.

Minimize Produced Water

• Use a closed-loop drilling fluid system.
• Drill horizontal wells to minimize water production.
• Optimize production rate to minimize the influx of water.
• Treat the producing formation with polymers that decrease the permeability of water, while maintaining the permeability of hydrocarbons.
• Hydro-test pipelines, equipment, and tanks with produced water.

Reduce treating chemicals

• Control inventory by accurately estimating amounts required, or purchasing smaller quantities only as required.
• Offer to give to or exchange unused chemicals with other facilities in lieu of recycling, treatment, or disposal.
• Use non-hazardous products.
• Store and maintain chemicals properly to prevent spills or leaks.

Minimize sand production

• Optimize production rate to minimize sand production.
• Use uncontaminated sand as fill material.

Reduce and recycle slop oil

• Recycle back into production stream.
• Replace impeller-type pumps used for fluid transfer service with canned submersible pumps to eliminate leaks from impeller pumps seals and gear boxes.
• Send slop oil that cannot be recycled into production to a state-permitted tank bottoms reclamation facility.

Reduce scale

• Use scale inhibitors.
• Avoid mixing incompatible produced waters, which results in scale formation.

Manage lubricating oil filters

• Change filters only when necessary.
• Use reusable filters.
• When handling filters, take precautions to prevent oil spillage.
• Isolate all drained fluids in re-sealable container for in-process recycling.

Remove Pit Liner

• Remove waste and liner for proper disposal.
• Remove oil and salt-laden mud, fold in and close with liner in place.