Final answer:
When precipitates form in a well, hydraulic fracturing or other workover procedures are typically applied to remove the blockages and enhance oil or gas flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
When precipitates form at the bottom or on the walls of a well, typically a workover procedure known as hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracing', is undertaken. This process involves injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into horizontally drilled wells to create cracks in the rock layer which allow the trapped oil or gas to flow more freely. Additionally, other workover techniques may involve acidizing, in which acids are used to dissolve the precipitates and enhance permeability, or mechanical methods like scraping or using specialized tools to physically remove the precipitates.
Workover procedures are an essential aspect of modern oil and gas extraction as easy-to-reach resources have been depleted. To ensure continued production and extend the life of wells, workover procedures help in dealing with issues like precipitate formation that can hinder the flow of oil or gas.