Abstract: Reduction of water cut in gas wells by polymers

CZOLBE, PETER, and HANS-JURGEN KRETZSCHMAR

Water cuts in gas wells reduce the gas production rate and the gas recovery factor in gas fields or reduce the peak rate and the working gas volume in gas storage. By special polymer treatments water production can be restricted or prevented.

On the basis of laboratory and model investigations 4 wells in gas storages and 2 wells in a gas field were treated.

Field cases of treated gas wells demonstrate 30 ... 100% less water cut, an improved gas productivity and injectivity.

A technology for polymer treatment of horizontal wells in aquifer gas storages was developed. A horizontal well, the first in an aquifer gas storage at all, was drilled in a depth of 2100 m. This well has the task of strong increase of peak rate performance and of higher working gas volume. The control of gas-water flow at these conditions is important due to enlarged contact area of the horizontal well. Improvement of gas injectivity by 40% was proven. A 50% higher gas productivity will be expected.

The main results of treated wells will be discussed.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90942©1997 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria