Retention characteristics of enhanced preformed particle gels (PPGs) in porous media: Conformance control implications

Preformed Particle Gels (PPGs) treatment can be mentioned as one of the most reliable methods to enhance conformance control in mature water flooded oil reservoirs. Prediction and evaluation of PPGs' behavior through porous media is essential. In this contribution, advanced PPGs designed for reservoir with high temperature and high salinity conditions will be presented. Special slim tubes, filled with crushed reservoir core samples, were used to assess the impacts of various factors on the Preformed Particle Gels (PPGs) retention at reservoir conditions. The factors whose impacts were assessed included the diameter of the PPGs, the temperature, the rate of flow as well as the porosity of the medium. The results showed for passage pattern, adsorption was the dominant mechanism in retention of PPGs and retention increased when smaller size of PPGs product was used. Results also showed that PPGs retention decreased as the flow rate, permeability and temperature of the porous media increased. According to the findings of the breakage-passage pattern, if the ratio of swelled PPGs size to pore throat size increases to a particular, entrapment will be the main mechanism in retention process and retention increased dramatically by using a larger size of PPGs product and lower permeability of porous media. Accordingly, the findings of the study are enlightening especially in the area of choosing the most suitable strategy for effective regulation of conformance in the oil reservoirs.