HYDROGEOCHEMICAL PRECONDITIONS FOR SALT DEPOSITION AND RISK MONITORING IN THE GAS GATHERING NETWORK OF THE SHAKHPakhty FIELD

Abstract

The article examines the hydrogeochemical and technological preconditions for the formation of mineral deposits during the late stage of development of the Shakhpakhty gas field. The main risk factors are identified as increasing water cut of production, vertical heterogeneity in the composition of formation waters, mixing of fluids from different horizons, local pressure fluctuations, and cooling of wet gas in the gas gathering network. Based on an analysis of published and design data, as well as field observations of pipeline fouling, the most critical elements of the production system were identified, including diameter transitions, throttling units, flow junctions, low-lying sections where liquids accumulate, and cooling zones. The need to move from episodic pipeline cleaning to node-based monitoring is substantiated. This approach includes regular sampling of formation water and solid deposits, pressure and temperature control, mineralogical analysis of deposits, and maintaining a map of problematic sections. The proposed approach can improve the reliability of the gas gathering network, enable timely identification of areas with intensive salt deposition, prioritize preventive measures, and optimize pipeline cleaning intervals considering changes in field operating conditions. The results can be used to establish monitoring procedures, diagnose equipment, and plan maintenance activities.