Abstract
Advancement in design and implementation of polymer gel water shutoff treatments in horizontal wells that penetrate fractures or faults have come from empirical improvements in the field and synergism between monitored field treatments and independent laboratory research. One case history will be detailed, followed by a summary of several other treatments.
Simple calculations can give at least a rudimentary indication of the width of the fracture or fault that causes excess water production. Using laboratory data coupled with field data collected before, during, and after gel injection, the calculations can also give an indication of how far the gel has actually penetrated into the fracture. Our analyses reveal critical measurements that should be made during field applications and where additional laboratory work is needed to aid in the design of field applications.