Conference Publications

Lessons Learned from First Application of Polymer Dispersed System (PDS) Chemical Water Shut-Off Technology in Carbonate Reservoir: A Case Study for Water Production Management in Mature Oil Field, UAE

Abstract. Excessive water production in mature oil fields reduces recovery and increases costs. Chemical Water Shut-Off (CWSO) techniques, particularly advanced Polymer Dispersed System (PDS) technology, offer a promising solution for controlling unwanted water in heterogeneous carbonate formations. This study presents the first application of PDS technology in a mature onshore UAE well with >90% water cut. The treatment was designed using reservoir characterization and diagnostic tools. During injection, deviation from the plan was required due to unexpected pressure responses, highlighting the impact of reservoir heterogeneity. Pre- and post-job monitoring confirmed that treatment success depends on proper diagnostics, precise chemical placement, and thorough evaluation. When correctly applied, CWSO with PDS technology can reduce water production, increase oil recovery, lower costs, and extend field life.

PDS technology:  Oil Production Enhancement  due to Diversion of Injected Water Flows

Gazizov, A., Matveev, S. SPE Symposium: Production Enhancement and Cost Optimisation. Agility in the New Era. 22-23 November 2022. Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Waterflooding Optimisation Using a Multi-action Technology in the Mature West Siberian Oil Field

Abstract. In mature waterflooded fields, premature water encroachment caused by reservoir heterogeneity and non-uniform displacement reduces oil production from low-permeability zones. A chemical technology has been developed for combined selective water shut-off and wettability alteration, generating excess energy to recover residual oil. Laboratory tests confirmed agent functionality at temperatures up to 120°C and salinities of 10–127 g/l, with ultra-fine reagents reducing interfacial tension to 0.005 mN/m. Flow tests on heterogeneous models validated the technology. In four pilot areas, the main problem was water breakthrough through high-permeability layers, confirmed by tracer studies. Treatment effects included: Redistribution of injected water into inactive zones; Incremental oil production of 20,121 barrels over 10 months with lasting effect. The novelty lies in targeted treatment through selective isolation of water-encroached zones, utilizing phase interface energy to mobilize residual oil regardless of reservoir characteristics.

Polymer Dispersed Systems for Conformance Improvement in Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs

Abstract. One of the most important challenges faced by the oil industry is to enhance oil recovery from existing reservoirs. Carbonate reservoirs are more difficult to develop than terrigenous ones due to fractures, caverns, geological heterogeneity, and complex pore structure, limiting the application of conventional EOR methods. The main drawback in waterflooding carbonate reservoirs is premature water encroachment caused by injection water breakthrough through high-permeability zones, leaving unswept oil in place. The essence of the PDS technology consists of alternating injections of polymer solution and dispersed suspension, forming polymer-dispersed systems that plug swept, water-saturated channels, redirecting flow to unswept zones and improving sweep efficiency. Pilot treatment results at Zabegalovskoe field (injection well 5): After first treatment: oil rate increased by 120 B/D, water cut reduced by 14%; After second treatment: oil rate increased by 420 B/D, water cut reduced by 16%; Over 13 months: incremental oil production of 71,539 bbl and reduced water production by 39,948 bbl

Polymer Dispersed Systems for Sweep Efficiency Improvement in Mature Oil Fields

Gazizov, A., Gazizov, A.S., Matveev, S. SPE Workshop: Efficient Waterflood- Exploring Strategies for Optimisation and Enhanced Recovery, Brunei Darussalam, 23 – 24 July 2019. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

Increasing Sweep Efficiency By Shutting Off Water Flow Through Thief Zones In A Heterogeneous Reservoir

Abstract. With high reservoir heterogeneity in terms of permeability and fluid properties, substantial amounts of oil are produced along with water. At water cuts higher than 96–98%, wells become uneconomic and are shut in or undergo water shut-off treatments. Shutting off water flow through thief zones in flooded reservoirs is one of the biggest technical challenges in enhancing oil recovery from mature multi-reservoir oil fields. As water cut increases, water flow through thief zones must be reduced to enhance sweep efficiency in lower-permeability portions of the reservoir. A new technology employing polymer dispersed systems (PDS) shuts off formation and injected water flows by increasing flow resistance in thief zones. This process redistributes the energy of injected water and helps produce oil from unswept zones, thus increasing flooding efficiency and oil recovery. PDSs do not require drastic changes in existing development systems. This paper presents studies of basic and modified PDS versions adapted for conditions in the Vyatka area of the Arlan oil field containing poorly continuous reservoirs with lithofacies heterogeneity. This depleted area had a stable, high water cut. The new method selectively increases flow resistance in thief zones with a resulting increase in sweep efficiency.

ULTRAFLO-N: a technology enhancing oil recovery from water-flooded oil fields

Gazizov, A.S., Gazizov, A., Shastina, E., Matveev, S. EGYPS – Egypt Petroleum Show, 11 – 13 February 2019. Cairo, Egypt.