Spatial and monthly variations of radium isotopes in produced water during oil production

Spatial and monthly variations of radium isotope concentrations in produced water have been evaluated during oil production. Samples of produced water were collected and analyzed on a monthly basis over a period of 5 months, the samples being derived from 11 main oil production wells at three Syrian oilfields. The highest average 226Ra, 228Ra and 224Ra concentrations in these samples of water were found to be 41, 37.5 and 1.1 Bq l−1, respectively. The data obtained for 226Ra, 228Ra and the 228Ra/226Ra activity ratio were evaluated statistically and displayed using the Box Plot method; clear variations can be observed from one field to another, indicating differences in the geological formation of the reservoir. The 228Ra/226Ra activity ratio variations reflect the variability of the Th/U mass ratio of the geological formation, suggesting two different source rock types. The calculated mean Th/U mass ratio for these two possible types of source rock were 2.4 and 5.78. In addition, the 228Ra/226Ra mean activity ratio was also used to estimate the age of some deposited scales in tubulars; the results were compared with the 224Ra/228Ra activity ratio dating method. Monthly variations of 226Ra and 228Ra activity concentrations and the 228Ra/226Ra activity ratio in produced water were also observed, the major causes for these variations being related to the type of injection water and interwell reactions. Possible relationships between 226Ra and 228Ra activity concentrations, the 228Ra/226Ra activity ratio and physical and chemical properties of produced water were statistically evaluated; no linear correlations were found.