How Oilfield Polyacrylamide Reduces Water Cut in Mature Wells
In the later stages of oilfield production, a common and costly issue is the increase in water cut—the ratio of water produced compared to oil. Mature reservoirs often face excessive water production, leading to declining efficiency, rising treatment costs, and premature well abandonment. A proven solution in this scenario is the application of oilfield polyacrylamide .
Oilfield polyacrylamide is a water-soluble polymer designed to modify the flow characteristics of injected fluids and reduce unwanted water production. Its ability to selectively restrict water mobility while maintaining or enhancing oil flow makes it an essential tool in advanced reservoir management.
The Mechanism: How Polyacrylamide Controls Water
When injected into a reservoir, oilfield polyacrylamide increases the viscosity of the aqueous phase and improves sweep efficiency. This means the injected fluids push more oil toward the production well rather than bypassing it and producing water.
More importantly, polyacrylamide can be used in profile modification treatments, where it plugs high-permeability zones (commonly water channels) and redirects subsequent flow into unswept, oil-rich areas.
Applications in Mature Fields
| Application Technique | Function of Oilfield Polyacrylamide |
|---|---|
| Polymer Flooding | Enhances oil displacement, reduces mobility ratio |
| Conformance Control | Seals off high-permeability water zones |
| Water Shutoff Treatments | Selectively blocks water-producing layers without affecting oil layers |
| Mobility Control | Balances the injection front for more uniform reservoir coverage |
These techniques collectively reduce the water cut and extend the productive life of aging wells.
Benefits of Reducing Water Cut
Increased Oil Recovery: More oil is pushed to the surface by controlling the water path
Lower Lifting Costs: Reduced water means less fluid handling and treatment
Environmental Benefits: Less produced water leads to lower surface water disposal volumes
Improved Operational Efficiency: Decreases corrosion, scale, and equipment wear caused by excess water
Why Use High-Quality Oilfield Polyacrylamide?
The effectiveness of these solutions depends on the molecular structure, charge density, and thermal stability of the polyacrylamide used. Poorly formulated polymers may degrade quickly or fail to deliver selective plugging. That’s why sourcing from a specialized, quality-focused manufacturer is critical.
Choose Polyacrylamidefactory for Reliable Oilfield Solutions
At Polyacrylamidefactory, we specialize in providing oilfield-grade polyacrylamide products engineered for complex subsurface environments. Our polymers are developed to ensure optimal water shutoff, improved oil displacement, and reliable performance under varied reservoir conditions.
Our solutions are widely used in polymer flooding, conformance control, and other enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques across mature fields. Whether you're battling high water cuts or looking to increase sweep efficiency, our tailored polyacrylamide formulations are here to support your goals.
Learn more about our oilfield polymer technology at: https://www.polyacrylamidefactory.com
