Utilization of biopolimer composition for water shutoff in wells completed in unconsolidated formations

In oil and gas production, unstable reservoir formations often cause early water breakthrough and high water-cut issues, leading to significant production inefficiencies. In such environments, conventional water shut-off methods, particularly cement-based or synthetic polymer systems, can compromise the mechanical stability of the formation and create additional complications. Therefore, in recent years, the application of environmentally friendly and geologically compatible bio-polymer-based compositions has gained increasing scientific and practical importance. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of bio-polymer compositions for isolating water inflow in unstable reservoir formations. Various bio-polymer formulations (based on cellulose derivatives, xanthan, and guar gum) were investigated under laboratory conditions for their rheological behavior and gel formation properties. The results demonstrated that within certain pH and temperature ranges, these compositions form highly stable gel structures that significantly reduce water permeability while preserving the mechanical integrity of the reservoir rock. In conclusion, the use of bio-polymer compositions represents an environmentally safe, economically efficient, and technologically flexible alternative for controlling water inflow in unstable formations. This approach not only enhances production efficiency but also contributes to the optimization of the water–energy balance.