Russian specialists have created a unique solution for mature deposits, where oil production is complicated by a large amount of associated water. The innovation makes it possible to separate oil and water directly in the reservoir, dramatically reducing costs and increasing profitability.
In the later stages of oil field development, a serious problem arises: up to 90% of water rises from wells along with oil. High water content leads to enormous costs. The equipment is wearing out, pumping huge volumes of liquid, and production costs are rising. According to the Central Dispatch Department of the Fuel and Energy Complex, over the nine months of 2025, the average water cut of wells in Russia reached 87.3%.
That is why the existing production technology in mature fields is characterized by low efficiency. The answer to this challenge was the development of scientists from the Higher Oil School (HSN), part of the Tatneft ecosystem. They created and patented a device for downhole separation of an oil-water mixture.
The key principle of the technology is the advanced discharge of produced water. To do this, an inactive reserve well is used, which is converted into an underground separation unit. Special wellhead fittings are installed in it. The mixture of oil and water is separated into its components directly in the well system. The released water is immediately sent to an adjacent well to maintain reservoir pressure, and dried oil with a minimum moisture content is supplied to the commodity depot.
This approach radically changes the situation. It makes it possible not only to combat the consequences of watering, but to prevent them by influencing the process directly in the subsurface.
The introduction of this technology opens up new prospects for hundreds of mature fields. It extends their economically active life, makes production more profitable and significantly reduces the burden on infrastructure and the environment. Innovation provides the oil industry with an effective tool for increasing returns from old assets.
Source: @cdutek
Image: media.gazprom-neft.ru
