InterPore2026

Relative Permeability Modifiers for Sustainable Minimization of Produced Water: Laboratory Evaluation and Standardized Screening Protocol

20 May 2026, 15:35

1h 30m

Poster Presentation (MS06) Interfacial phenomena across scales Poster

Speaker

Dr Jamal Alaamri (Saudi Aramco)

Description

Managing excessive water production is one of the most critical challenge in hydrocarbon production, with significant cost and environment implication. Reducing water production is a key priority for oil and gas producers worldwide, as the processing and disposal of produced water add costs. Water shutoff chemical is used to isolate water zones and reduce commingled water production; however, they induce a permanent damage for both water and hydrocarbon flow since they require a high selectivity and proper placement technique.
In contrast, relative permeability modifiers (RPMs) have emerged as a promising class of chemicals capable of delivering reliable means for controlling excessive water production in both sandstone and carbonate formations. These chemicals; including polymers, nano-particulates and surfactants, are adsorbed onto the rock surface, where they restrict the water flow with minimal impact on hydrocarbon flow. In this study, three types of RPMs—conventional terpolymers, functionalized nano-particulates and surfactants— were evaluated to assess their potential for field application and establish a standardized laboratory testing framework. The evaluation methodology includes interfacial tension, contact angle, compatibility with reservoir fluids and core flood regain permeability testing under simulated reservoir conditions.
The results demonstrate that RPMs can effectively reduce effective water permeability by up to 90% with only a slight impact on oil permeability. Residual Resistance Factor to water (RRFw) varied from as high as 10.4 while the Residual Resistance Factor to oil (RRFO) was as low as 0.5. Measurements of interfacial tension and contact angle confirm the ability of RPMs to lower interfacial forces and modify rock wettability. Additionally, the RPMs tested were found to be compatible with various treatment fluids. Sensitivity analyses highlight the critical role of pH and water salinity in RPM efficiency, while water production rate significantly influences the durability of adsorption on rock surfaces. Notably, non-polymer based RPMs caused less damage to rock formations, making them particularly suitable for application in tight reservoirs. Thermal stability and rheological properties were also evaluated to ensure the robustness of the RPMs under reservoir conditions.
In this study, we provide a novel framework for evaluating RPMs and demonstrate their potential for reducing water production. The findings position RPMs as a sustainable, efficient solution for addressing certain water production challenges in the oil and gas industry.