Field Performance Evaluation of Crosslinked Polymers to Increase Oil Recovery in The Wilmington Field, California

In the Wilmington field, direct channeling of injection water from injector to producer has adversely affected oil recovery. The solution to this problem may be approached from 2 directions. The first is to seal off the channel at the injector. The second approach is to treat the affected producing wells. This approach has many advantages which will be explored in this discussion. Both methods have been used in portions of the Wilmington field. This study examines new technology in crosslinking polyacrylamides to control water permeability in unconsolidated sands. Field data are presented on treatment procedures, problems encountered, and solutions for incurred problems. Conclusions are as follows: (1) new in situ polymer gelling techniques provide an effective control over subsurface water movement; (2) by excluding water production in the Wilmington field, effective sand control has been achieved; and (3) control of water entries in the producing wells can affect the sweep efficiency in the flood pattern.