Controlling water in producing operations Part 1 -- Where it comes from and the problems it causes

Abstract

Most oil and gas wells produce water either on initial completion or after they have been producing for some time. Water production aids in removal of oil from natural water drive reservoirs and when waterfloods are in progress, and thus, it is beneficial to good production rates and enhanced recovery of hydrocarbons. However, water becomes a problem when it bypasses hydrocarbons in a formation either in production or injection wells or when it results in scaling, emulsions, water blocks, corrosion or sand production. Excess water production increases the produced fluid head in the wellbore and creates extra backpressure on the formation. This in turn reduces a well's flow capability or forces an increase in artificial lift capacities as water production volumes increase. Not only does excessive water decrease oil and gas production, but it often increases operating expenses. Means of identifying excessive water production and controlling it are the subject of this series.