TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractIndustry interest in relative permeability modifier (RPM) treatments for water control is revived. However, as in the past, a majority of the treatments are applied to wells with extremely high water cuts (95% and greater) -with the unrealistic expectation that use of such agents will substantially reduce percent water cut or even prevent (shut off) unwanted water flow altogether.Recent field experience with newly-developed RPM-based treatments is leading to clearer definition of the proper applications necessary to overcome the existing barriers to success which include, but are not limited to, treatment penetration depth, treatment placement, formation permeability and wettability characteristics, pre-and posttreatment reservoir fluid flow mechanisms, and a history of skepticism.With these aspects in mind, this paper points to the largely unrecognized economic benefits that can be realized through creative and strategic deployment of low-risk or risk-reducing RPM-based technologies in multi-well scenarios. Examples include oil and gas producer matrix treatments, especially in high permeability and clean sands.

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