Clay Stabilization in Low-Permeability Formations

Abstract

The most popular clay stabilizers used recently in well-treating solutions are classified as cationic organic polymers (COP's). This paper reports on studies that have shown these stabilizers to be ineffective in microdarcy to low-millidarcy sandstones. Recent research led to the development of a stabilizer applicable to formations with permeabilities of 0.010 md and higher that also provides enhanced load-water recovery and more efficient placement from gelled-water solutions.