Nanotechnology Sets a New Standard for Water Control in the Chichimene Heavy Oil Field

Abstract High water production has long challenged operations in the Chichimene heavy oil field, constraining oil output due to facility limitations. This study focuses on evaluating the application of nanotechnology-based treatments to improve water control and boost oil recovery. By targeting key wells with persistent water production issues, the work aims to establish a more sustainable and effective alternative to conventional methods. The workflow began with laboratory evaluations, including fluid-fluid and rock-fluid interaction tests, to confirm the compatibility and effectiveness of Nano Water Wetter and NanoRPM with field conditions. Four pilot wells were selected and treated using workover and rigless techniques. Following implementation in December 2022, a one-year monitoring program tracked production performance, water cut evolution, and overall treatment stability. The treatments yielded a cumulative reduction of nearly 1 million barrels of produced water, representing a 30% drop across the treated wells. Additionally, net oil production increased by approximately 300,000 barrels. These improvements significantly outperformed historical treatments using gels or conventional RPMs, which had failed to deliver consistent or lasting results. The observed impact is attributed to wettability alteration and flow pattern modifications induced by the nanofluids. The field results validate the design strategy and highlight the robustness of lab-to-field scaling for nanotechnology applications. Field scale implementation of nanotechnology for water control in mature heavy oil reservoirs remains limited, especially in Latin America. The approach presented demonstrates a fully integrated workflow, from laboratory screening to field validation, that proved both scalable and technically robust. The use of Nano Water Wetter and NanoRPM not only enhanced oil recovery but also established a new benchmark for sustainable produced water reduction, offering a valuable advancement in production optimization strategies.