Comprehensive review of water shutoff methods for horizontal wells

Abstract

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive review of the water control techniques that have been applied in horizontal wells and presents the water control methods for wells of different completion types. Water shutoff techniques are classified as mechanical methods and chemical methods. These methods can be used individually or in combination. Mechanical methods are usually used to deal with wellbore water shutoff or near wellbore water control. Chemical methods are used in plugging matrix or fractures. Completion type should be considered when designing a water shutoff project. Both mechanical methods and chemical methods can be used in open hole and cased hole horizontal wells. In the wells that completed with perforated liners and wells completed with sand screen pipe, only chemical methods can be used to control excess water production, while the mechanical methods can only provide temporary zonal isolation. Mechanical methods are slightly higher in cost than chemical methods, and the depth correction is a challenge. Mechanical and chemical methods can be individually used if the water entry point is at the toe. A combination of packers should be designed for the wells with water entry point near the heel or along the lateral.