Page 28 - Geochemistry of Oil Field Waters

TABULATION OF SAMPLE DESCRIPTION 17

The type of container selected is dependent upon the planned use of the
analytical'data. Probably the more satisfactory container, if the sample is to
be stored for some time before analysis, is the polyethylene bottle. All
polyethylenes are not satisfactory because some contain relatively high
amounts of metals contributed by catalysts in their manufacture. The
approximate metal content of the plastic can be determined using a qualita-
tive emission spectrographic technique. If the sample is transported during
freezing temperatures, the plastic container is less likely to break than glass.
The practice of obtaining two samples and acidifying one sample so that
the heavy metals will stay in solution works better if the plastic container is
used. Some of the heavy metals are adsorbed by glass even if the sample is
acidified.

Tabulation of sample description

The sample is of little value if detailed information concerning it is not
available. Information such as that in Table 2.111 should be obtained for each
sample of petroleum-associated water, and for certain types of studies, addi-
tional information may be needed.

References
Bredehoeft, J.D., 1965. The drill-stem test: the petroleum industry's deep-well pumping
test. Ground Water, 3:15-23.
Buckley, S.E., Hocott, C.R. and Taggart, Jr., M.S., 1958. Distribution of dissolved hydro-
carbons in subsurface waters. In: L.C. Weeks (Editor), Habitat of Oil. American
Association Petroleum Geologists, Tulsa, Okla., pp.850-882.
Collins, A.G., 1964. Eh and pH of oilfield waters. Prod. Monthly, 28:ll-12.
McAlister, J.A., Nutter, B.P. and Lebourg, M., 1965. A new system of tools for better
control and interpretation of drill-stem tests. J. Pet. Technol., 17 :207-214.
Noad, D.F., 1962. Water analysis data, interpretation and applications. J. Can. Pet.
TechnoL , 1 :82-89.
Wallace, W.E., 1969. Water production from abnormally pressured gas reservoirs in South
Louisiana, J. Pet. Technol., 21 :969-982.
Zarrella, W.M., Mousseau, R.J., Coggeshall, N.E., Norris, M.S. and Schrayer, G.T., 1967.
Analysis and significance of hydrocarbons in subsurface brines. Geochim. Cosmochim.
Acta, 31 :1155-1166.