System and Method for Monitoring Scale Removal from a Wellbore

Abstract

A technique enables the cleaning of scale from a well and the monitoring of scale removal. A scale removal tool and a radiation detector are deployed simultaneously into a wellbore having scale with a radioactive signature. The scale removal tool is used to remove deposits from a well component, e.g. from the interior of a tubular member. The radiation detector enables the measuring and monitoring of scale removal. Data related to the scale removal can be output for use by an operator to help optimize scale removal and fluid flow.

1 . A method of performing a well cleanout, comprising:
 simultaneously deploying a jetting tool and a gamma ray detector downhole into a wellbore on coiled tubing;   locating scale at a wellbore location with the gamma ray detector;   pumping a cleanout material down through the coiled tubing and out through the jetting tool to remove scale at a the wellbore location; and   monitoring the removal of scale with the gamma ray detector.   
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein monitoring comprises monitoring in real time. 
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein pumping comprises pumping the cleanout material through the gamma ray detector. 
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising outputting data from the gamma ray detector to a surface acquisition unit. 
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein outputting comprises outputting the data along a communication line routed along an interior of the coiled tubing. 
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein outputting comprises outputting the data along a fiber optic line routed along an interior of the coiled tubing. 
   
   
       7 . The method as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising measuring temperature and pressure proximate the gamma ray detector; and outputting temperature and pressure data to the surface acquisition unit. 
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein locating further comprises measuring casing collar locations; and outputting casing collar location data to the surface acquisition unit. 
   
   
       9 . A system for use in a wellbore, comprising:
 a bottom hole assembly having:
 a jetting tool comprising at least one jetting nozzle oriented to direct a scale removal material against a well component surface; 
 a radiation detector positioned to detect and locate scale buildup along the well component surface. 
   
   
   
       10 . The system as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the radiation detector comprises a gamma ray detector positioned to detect scale buildup within a tubular. 
   
   
       11 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the gamma ray detector comprises a passage through which the scale removal material passes as it flows to the jetting tool. 
   
   
       12 . The system as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising a coiled tubing string coupled to the bottom hole assembly to convey the bottom hole assembly downhole. 
   
   
       13 . The system as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising a surface acquisition unit and a communication line connecting the radiation detector with the surface acquisition unit. 
   
   
       14 . The system as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the communication line comprises a fiber optic line deployed within the coiled tubing string. 
   
   
       15 . A method, comprising:
 determining a location of a scale deposit within an interior of a tubular positioned in a wellbore;   removing scale from an the interior of the tubular positioned in a wellbore;   monitoring scale removal with a radiation detector;   providing data on the scale removal in real time to a surface acquisition unit and   determining the extent of the remaining scale deposit.   
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein monitoring comprises monitoring scale removal with a gamma ray detector. 
   
   
       17 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein monitoring comprises detecting the radioactive signature of barium sulfate. 
   
   
       18 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein removing comprises directing a jet of fluid and beads against the scale. 
   
   
       19 . The method as recited in  claim 18 , wherein directing comprises directing sterling beads against the scale. 
   
   
       20 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein providing comprises providing data through a communication line routed along a coiled tubing string. 
   
   
       21 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein providing comprises providing data through a fiber optic line routed along an interior of a coiled tubing string. 
   
   
       22 . A system, comprising:
 a surface acquisition unit;   a coiled tubing string;   a communication line routed along the coiled tubing string to communicate data to the surface acquisition unit; and   a bottom hole assembly coupled to the coiled tubing string and the communication line, the bottom hole assembly comprising:
 a jetting tool oriented for scale removal; and 
 a gamma ray detector to determine a location of scale and to monitor the extent of scale removal. 
   
   
   
       23 . The system as recited in  claim 22 , wherein the communication line is routed along an interior of the coiled tubing string. 
   
   
       24 . The system as recited in  claim 22 , wherein the bottom hole assembly further comprises a monitoring section having temperature and pressure sensors. 
   
   
       25 . The system as recited in  claim 22 , wherein the gamma ray detector comprises a flow passage to enable flow from the coiled tubing, through the gamma ray detector, and to the jetting tool.