Ronney R. Koch

A Theoretical Design Procedure And Field Results For A Water-Oil Ratio Control Agent

Recently, a new water-oil ratio control agent was introduced to the industry for field testing. Initial results of the field treatments were excellent as were previously reported. It was reported to be a low molecular weight, water-soluble polymeric material, which has several advantages over the currently used conventional polymers for improving the WOR (water-oil ratio) or producing wells. The new material has been found to exhibit improved shear degradation resistance which allows higher injection rates than can be used with most conventional polymers. The ionic content and strength of most mixing or produced water have little effect on the results of a WOR treatment with this new chemical. The viscosity yield from some conventional polymers is adversely affected by the ionic strength (salinity) of the formation water and mixing water. The effectiveness of this agent is essentially independent of ionic strength. Many of the conventional polymers are easily oxidized by molecular oxygen so that a scavenger is normally required. This new chemical agent is not subject to oxidation by molecular oxygen. The new WOR agent has been found to be highly resistant to removal by produced fluids. 10 references.