Surfactant as relative permeability modifier for produced fluids from a subterranean formation

Abstract

A reservoir fluid can be produced from a subterranean formation. The reservoir fluid can include water and hydrocarbons such as oil. It is oftentimes desirable to limit the amount of water that is produced, so a higher ratio of hydrocarbons can be produced. Portions of the subterranean formation can have an initial permeability to water. A relative permeability modifier can be used in these portions to restrict or prevent water from being produced. The relative permeability modifier can increase the hydrophobicity of the portion that allows the hydrocarbons to flow through while substantially limiting the amount of water. The relative permeability modifier can be a surfactant. The surfactant can be an acid or a salt of the acid. The relative permeability modifier can coat the surfaces of substances in the formation whereby the permeability to an aqueous fluid is reduced from the initial permeability.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.