A comparison and assessment of the modelling and simulation of the sandstone matrix acidizing process: A critical methodology study

Sandstone matrix acidizing is a well stimulation technique to enhance the productivity of a reservoir formation. Numerous models had been developed in the past years for mud acid sandstone stimulation but little research was done for HBF4 acidizing. HBF4 is positively reported to be effective in sandstone acidizing due to its retardation effect, which delays the hydrolysis of HF. This has greatly enhanced penetration depth of the acid into the sandstone matrix. However, this effect is limited over a certain range of temperature. With the current knowledge, there is a lack of understanding on the effective working temperature window of HBF4 acidizing. Therefore, it is crucial that numerical studies can be adopted to carry out detail investigation to characterize the temperature effect on HBF4 acidizing. The aim of this study is to review the numerical and models that have been developed on matrix acidizing process. Thus, a comparison and assessment of the modelling and simulation approaches done on mud acid stimulation process through literatures was done to select the most feasible model to be implemented to model HBF4 stimulation process. A detailed pros and cons evaluation is conducted on all the models developed in the past years. Considering all aspects of the models developed, the four-parameter model is the best and most representative model to simulate the sandstone acidizing process. Hence, this paper has critically reviewed the modelling methodology and selected a practical software to perform HBF4 acidizing simulation. This manuscript has also spotlighted on the possible research expansion for future investigation. It is recommended to perform a comprehensive analysis to determine the optimum temperature, acid concentration and injection rate before the operation of acid stimulation.