Organically Crosslinked Polymer System for Water Reduction Treatments in Mexico

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the application of an organically crosslinked polymer (OCP) system, a system widely used in the oil industry for water shutoff applications. The OCP system is based on a copolymer of acrylamide and t-butyl acrylate (PAtBA) crosslinked with polyethyleneimine (PEI). To date, about 100 jobs have been performed with this system in Mexico to address conformance problems such as: Water coning/cresting.High-permeability streaks.Gravel pack isolation.Fracture shutoff.Casing leak repair. This paper presents an overview of case histories that used OCP in various regions of Mexico for a wide variety of applications. In particular, a case history of an offshore well treated with the OCP is presented. A direct comparison of the application of the OCP with conventional cement squeeze treatments is presented to illustrate the advantage of having a deep matrix penetration for a more efficient water shutoff. In addition, data presented in this paper indicate the development of a retarder that allows the upper placement temperature of the OCP system to be raised to at least 350°F. The upper placement temperature of the system originally was ~260°F.