Got Water? An RPM Solution

Abstract

Water management in oil production is an increasingly burdensome issue for operators. As fields mature and begin to water out, effective treatments are needed to remain profitable. A new, more effective relative permeability modifier (RPM) is a remedy for water with positive effect on oil. The application is intended for sandstone reservoirs and can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with an acid stimulation treatment. The application is a strong, long-term solution for water management at the near wellbore. Laboratory and field measurements are presented to show the effect of the RPM on sandstone for effect on water and oil. Laboratory analysis was conducted using core flow to measure regain permeability in low to high permeability Berea sandstone at temperatures of 150°F to 250°F (65.5°C 121°C). Field measurements include comparison of production of pre- and post-treatment of mature, high permeability sandstone formations with heavy oil reserves. Treatment zones were 25-30 feet with bottom hole static temperatures of 150-200°F and deployed with coiled tubing. Laboratory testing regain permeability showed that RPM treatment across the range of permeabilities could reduce water by more than 80% while regain permeability to oil is maintain a more than 90%. Field applications showed the initial treatment yielded a 700barrel (bbl) reduction in water while doubling oil production. As the wells stabilized, some of the initial momentum was slowed but showed stabilization of an increased oil production, lower water production and lowered BS&W.