Study of causes and technology for preventing watering of wells through hydraulic fracturing in Iraq

UDK: 622.276.66

DOI: 10.24887/0028-2448-2025-10-71-73

Key words: well flooding, hydraulic fracturing, causes and technologies for preventing flooding, oil fields, fields of Iraq

Authors: S.I. Jalal (Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, RF, Ufa; Wasit University, the Republic of Iraq, Al-Kut); Yu.A. Kotenev1 (Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, RF, Ufa)

The article discusses the geological and technological causes of premature flooding of oil wells in Iraq fields after hydraulic fracturing. Special attention is paid to the role of natural fracturing, tectonic disturbances and weak isolation of aquifers in the formation of water inflow. Modern approaches to reducing waterlogging are the following: the use of deflecting agents, microseismic monitoring, geomechanical modeling, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing and isolation of aquifers using heat-resistant and polymeric materials. The relevance of the integrated design of hydraulic fracturing operations, taking into account the geological features of Iraq, is presented. The article may be useful for engineering and technical specialists involved in optimizing production in fractured reservoirs. The study also addresses precise selection of perforation intervals, accounting for the proximity of the oil–water contact, and evaluation of sealing barriers between layers. Approaches to selecting fracturing fluids and proppants with isolating (water-blocking) properties are systematized. The expected effects of the integrated measures are reduced water cut and stabilized production rate. The proposed solutions can be applied to clastic and carbonate reservoirs and can serve as a basis for a hydraulic fracturing design workflow that accounts for regional specifics. In addition, the paper outlines pre-job diagnostic requirements, control during pumping, and post-job surveillance to detect early water breakthrough. It summarizes field experience from different Iraqi regions.

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