Global Field Results of a Polymeric Gel System in ConformanceApplications (2006)

Global Field Results of a Polymeric Gel System in Conformance Applications Eldon Dwyann Dalrymple; Eldon Dwyann Dalrymple Halliburton Energy Services Group Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Don M. Everett; Don M. Everett Halliburton Energy Services Group Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Larry S. Eoff Larry S. Eoff Halliburton Energy Services Group Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the SPE Russian Oil and Gas Technical Conference and Exhibition, Moscow, Russia, October 2006. Paper Number: SPE-101822-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/101822-MS Published: October 03 2006 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Dalrymple, Eldon Dwyann, Everett, Don M., and Larry S. Eoff. "Global Field Results of a Polymeric Gel System in Conformance Applications." Paper presented at the SPE Russian Oil and Gas Technical Conference and Exhibition, Moscow, Russia, October 2006. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/101822-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE Russian Petroleum Technology Conference Search Advanced Search AbstractWater production becomes a major problem as hydrocarbon-producing fields mature. Higher levels of water production result in increased levels of corrosion and scale, increased load on fluid-handling facilities, increased environmental concerns, and eventually, well shut-in (with associated workover costs). Consequently, producing zones are often abandoned in an attempt to avoid water contact, even when the intervals still retain large volumes of recoverable hydrocarbons. Many polymer systems have been applied over the years to control undesired water production from hydrocarbon wells, with varying degrees of success.For approximately eight years, a polymer gel system based on an acrylamide/t-butyl acrylate copolymer (PAtBA) crosslinked with polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been used successfully for various water shutoff applications. This paper will describe results from a sampling of over 200 jobs performed throughout the world, including the average results from over 90 jobs performed in one geographic location alone. In addition to "standard" matrix treatments, results will be shown for other types of treatment, including a design to plug annular communication and a combination of sealant and temporary gel in an openhole horizontal completion. In addition, laboratory data pertaining to work aimed at increasing the temperature limit of the system will be presented. The original upper placement temperature of the system was approximately 260ºF. Data presented in this paper indicates the development of a retarder system that allows the upper placement temperature to be raised to at least 350ºF.IntroductionControlling water production has been an objective of the oil industry almost since its inception. Produced water has a major economic impact on the profitability of a field. Producing 1 bbl of water requires as much or more energy as producing the same volume of oil. Often, each barrel of produced water represents some lesser, but significant, amount of unproduced oil. In addition, water production causes other related problems such as sand production, the need for separators, disposal and handling concerns, and corrosion of tubulars and surface equipment.Many methods are available to mitigate water production problems. A previous paper described the advantages of the acrylamide- (PAtBA) copolymer/polyethyleneimine system (herein referred to as OCP or organically crosslinked polymer).1 A brief discussion of these advantages follows, as well as presentations of case histories using the OCP and data showing expansion of the OCP technology.OCP System DescriptionGel systems for water and gas shutoff have many requirements, some of which include:Low viscosity that can be easily injected deep into a formation matrix.Capability to control gelation time of the fluid.Sufficient strength for resisting drawdown in the wellbore.Temperature stability of the gel for extended periods.As will be shown in the following discussion, the OCP system meets all of these requirements. The viscosity of the system is approximately 25 cp as mixed. This relatively low viscosity is because of the relatively low molecular weight, approximately 250,000, of the acrylamide/t-butyl acrylate copolymer. This polymer is covalently crosslinked with PEI, which results in excellent control over gelation time, and sufficient strength and temperature stability are also obtainable. In addition, the OCP system is nonsensitive to formation fluids, lithology, and heavy metals. Another advantage of the OCP system is the predictable viscosity profile that can be used to improve diversion over long treatment intervals.The OCP system was developed to improve the properties of chrome-crosslinked systems. In particular, it is well known that commonly used chrome crosslinkers tend to undergo hydrolysis and precipitation, especially with increasing pH and temperature.2,3 Precipitation of the crosslinker as the fluid is injected into the matrix means that the leading edge will not gel, and thus, the intended volume of the matrix will not be filled with gel. The precipitated crosslinker is capable of reacting with a subsequently injected polymer, but this can lead to decreased injectivity and possible diversion of the fluid to intervals not intended for treatment. Keywords: enhanced recovery, produced water management and control, Production Chemistry, rock/fluid interaction, OCP system, pressure drop, gel, stainless steel tube, flow in porous media, Fluid Dynamics Subjects: Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Gravel pack design & evaluation, Produced water management and control, Downhole chemical treatments and fluid compatibility, Flow in porous media, Sand Control, Well Operations and Optimization, Completion Operations This content is only available via PDF. 2006. Society of Petroleum Engineers You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.