Abstract: The present invention provides a method for restricting a fluid flow path in subterranean geological formations to facilitate the removal of hydrocarbons from the subterranean geological formation during enhanced oil recovery techniques. The method includes the steps of injecting a first water volume into the fluid flow path thereby displacing fluids present in the fluid flow path. The next step is injecting an alkaline volume into the fluid flow path thereby displacing the first water volume ahead of the alkaline volume. The injections create a first water and alkaline mixed continuum between the first water volume and the hydroxide volume wherein the relative concentrations of water and hydroxide vary along a length of the first water and hydroxide mixed continuum wherein the relative concentrations of water and alkaline are conducive to the formation of scale upon the surfaces of the subterranean geological formation.

Abstract: Channels in a water flood oil zone are plugged by injection of a hydroxide solution such as sodium hydroxide. The hydroxide solution is isolated from the connate water in the wellbore and vicinity of the wellbore by an isolation slug of water low in metallic ions which would react with the sodium hydroxide. Away from the wellbore where the isolation slug of water breaks down, the sodium hydroxide reacts with different metallic ions in the connate water such as magnesium and calcium to form precipitates of low solubility which will plug the water channels.