Abstract: A fluid injection induced oil recovery process wherein fluid is injected into a formation via a plurality of fluid injection wells and is produced from the formation via a plurality of production wells, and excessive flow and channeling through a "thief" region between one injection well and one production well is controlled by successively (1) shutting in the one injection well and operating the one production well for a first period of time and (2) operating the injection well and shutting in the production well for a second period of time. This sequence is repeated as many times as desired. The sequence can be modified by adding the additional step of (3) operating both wells for a third period of time. This alternative sequence is also repeated as many times as desired.

Abstract: In the oil-bearing formation wherein primary production has been exhausted and secondary recovery by waterflooding is exhausted or about exhausted, the residual brine is removed by progressive displacement. In this displacement a centrally disposed injection well or, preferably, lineal injection wells are utilized for the initial injection of preflush fluid with the immediately adjacent production and/or injection wells being shut in. After a specified slug of preflush has been injected, a series of chemical slugs is injected followed by drive fluid. After displacement of the residual brine has been effected out past the adjacent shutin wells, as evidenced by the arrival of the preflush, they are utilized as production wells. After oil sweep to these wells is complete, they are used as injection wells and the procedure is moved another step outward.

Abstract: A method is provided for altering the permeability of a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation penetrated by a wellbore by removing hydrocarbons from the highly permeable portions of the formation followed by plugging of the cleaned portions of the formation with a polymeric gel. A micellar dispersion is passed into the formation followed by a solution or dispersion of a gellable polymer and a solution of aluminum citrate and the well is then closed in for a period of time sufficient for gelling the polymer in situ.