METHOD TO CONTROL DRIVING FLUID BREAKTHROUGH DURING PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM A SUBTERRANEAN RESERVOIR.

摘要

The invention is directed to a method for controlling driving fluid breakthrough caused by zones of pressure communication, i.e., a matrix bypass event ("MBE") or a wormhole, having a void space and possibly areas of enhanced permeability (a halo region) associated with the void space, within a subterranean formation arising from use of a driving fluid in reservoirs where heavy/viscous oil is being produced. In particular, the method is directed to remediation of pressure communication between injection and production wells used to produce heavy/viscous oil by way of a waterflood operation combined with a cold production method. Direct or rapid communication of water between the injector and producer wells makes the waterflood recovery process virtually ineffective and limits the production of oil from the reservoir. The invention comprises in embodiments a method wherein a slurry of a cementitious material is injected into the zone, which upon setting, provides a cement plug in the void space that reduces the pressure communication and flow of driving fluid within the zone. Another step is used to inject a gel precursor within the zone, which upon setting, produces a gel plug that also reduces pressure communication and driving fluid flow through the halo region of the zone.