IMPROVEMENT OF PREVENTION AND CONTROL METHODS FOR WATER INFLUX IN PRODUCING OIL WELLS

High rate of water production is one of the biggest problems in oil well exploitation that means less oil recovery, high operating costs, and a short well life. One of the major sources of undesirable water influx is the water coning due to high pressure drawdown and the high aquifer support. Other factors are reservoir heterogeneity, inappropriate design of completion and mechanical integrity. This paper explores the process of oil wells production by water influx and assesses the means of water production prevention and control. Preventive and remedial measures such as chemical and mechanical water shutoff method are discussed. It is seen that the gaps and strengths of these methods are discussed with a goal to advance water control strategies and maximize oil recovery at the minimal use of water. Keywords: water production in oil wells, water coning, water influx, oil recovery optimization, water control strategies, high water cut, pressure drawdown, aquifer support, reservoir heterogeneity, water shutoff techniques.