Use of polymers to control water production in oil wells

Nearly 200 field treatments have shown that polymers can be used effectively to reduce the water-oil-ratio in producing oil wells. Although a complete shut-off of water production cannot be expected, most of the treatments have resulted in a decrease in water-oil-ratio of 60 to 90%. Oil production has been significantly icnreased in many of the wells. Not all high water-cut producers are candidates for polymer treatment. Care needs to be exercised when selecting wells to be treated. Selection can be made on the basis of well and reservoir data. Use of flow tests in formation cores can aid in well selection as well improve the prediction of results of the treatment. The purpose of this study is to discuss the probable working mechanism of polymers and present the guidelines useful in selecting candidates for treatment. Field results are used to substantiate these guidelines and show the economics of this type of treatment.