Water Abatement in Gas Wells (ARC)

Excessive water production in gas wells causes recovery problems and decreased economic benefits of gas extraction in the area. When drilling for gas, water reservoirs are also presents and are hit. The influx of water into the gas well requires the gas to lift the water from the bottom to the surface. As the water influx increases the gas production decreases and eventually the gas well stops flowing.

Many research groups like the Alberta Research Council are working on water abatement strategies. One idea is to develop gels to block the water influx. A polymer gel rod or slug is placed near the well bore where the water is interrupting the gas flow. Nitrogen gas is injected into the well that will displace the gel away from the well bore but opens new channels for the gas to escape through to the well bore. The gas avoids the water and can be then extracted.