Polymer Gels for Conformance Treatments: Propagation of Cr(III) Crosslinking Complexes in Porous Media

Bartošek, Martin; Mennella, A.; Lockhart, Thomas P.; Causin, Emilio; Rosse, Elio; Passucci, Claudio

doi:10.2118/27828-ms

Cited by 55 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…However, the short gelation times of this system at elevated temperatures limit their application to low-to moderate-temperature reservoirs. 6 Another polymer system widely used is a water-based gel based on phenol/formaldehyde crosslinker for homo-, co-, and terpolymer systems containing acrylamide. The loss of phenol by partitioning into crude oil with which it comes into contact has been identified as an important issue for that polymer system.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and Evaluation of High-Temperature Conformance Polymer Systems

Vasquez

Dalrymple

Eoff

et al. 2005

SPE International Symposium on Oilfield Chemistry

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TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractConformance polymer systems have been successfully applied for many years to control undesired water production from hydrocarbon wells. However, currently available polymer systems present a number of limitations for high-temperature conformance applications (> 300 o F). Based on laboratory research, this paper documents the results of the development and evaluation of polymer gel systems used as sealants to shut off water production in high-temperature environments. The polymer systems were evaluated by their effectiveness to: (a) provide adequate gel time for placement (up to 400 o F), (b) limit permeability to water at temperatures up to 375 o F in sandpack flow experiments, and (c) provide long-term thermal stability in sandpack flow experiments at elevated temperature (up to one-year study).A commercially available polymer system that has been successfully used in field applications (up to 275 o F) has been modified to extend its applicability up to 375 o F. Recently developed base polymer, crosslinker, and retarder were tested successfully to extend the temperature range of applicability of this polymer system. Discussed are: (1) methodology used for gelation time measurement of polymer systems at elevated temperatures, and (2) laboratory results regarding gelation time of crosslinked polymer systems when varying temperature, base polymer concentration, crosslinker concentration, retarder concentration, salinity of mixing brine, and/or pH of solution.Additionally, this paper discusses and describes the dynamic flow through porous media experiments performed to simulate high-temperature / high-pressure reservoir conditions to evaluate the performance of polymer systems at elevated temperatures (up to 375 o F). Specifically, this paper details:(1) the physical laboratory equipment and test conditions used for dynamic flow studies, (2) experimental procedure regarding short-term and long-term testing, and (3) the effect of temperature versus permeability reduction over time.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and Evaluation of High-Temperature Conformance Polymer Systems

Vasquez

Dalrymple

Eoff

et al. 2005

SPE International Symposium on Oilfield Chemistry

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“…It is well known that chrome-based systems tend to hydrolyze and precipitate especially with increasing pH and temperature (4) .…”

Section: Novel Chemical Gel (Organic Crosslinked Polymer and Particlementioning

confidence: 99%

New Chemical Treatment Selectively Placed via Coiled Tubing to Isolate Depleted Upper Zone Allows for Access and Stimulation of Unproduced Lower Zone

Dashash

Malik

Mukhliss

et al. 2014

Day 2 Wed, March 26, 2014

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Completed with 4.5 in tubing and 7 in Liner, the upper carbonate reservoir had previously been stimulated and produced until reaching its economic potential. To prolong the well life, the decision was made to permanently isolate the upper zone, then perforate, matrix stimulate and produce from the lower zone.The challenge for this operation was that the existing upper zone had been stimulated, creating a large void behind the casing with known high fluid loss. It was determined that isolation with cement would have only a small chance of success due to the high leak-off in the previously stimulated reservoir. Also, this zone was at a 40° inclination, making it more difficult to place an uncontaminated cement plug with Coiled Tubing (CT) and clean out the cement after placement.An inflatable packer was also considered to isolate the upper zone and perform acid stimulation on the bottom zone. The bottom-hole pressure and temperature (5,000 psi and 300°F) were beyond the operational limits of any inflatable element available in the region.For this unique situation, a new method was designed and successfully implemented. The new approach included first filling the upper zone with calcium carbonate chips (CaCO 3 ) to reduce or limit the fluid losses. Then, utilize CT to place a chemical isolation treatment. The product utilized was an organically cross-linked polymer (OCP) system capable of permanently sealing the target zone by forming a 3D rigid gel. It is effective for preventing water and gas flow in sandstone and carbonate formations from 100°F to 350°F (38°C to 177°C). A benefit of the treatment was the ease at which it could be pumped and placed via CT and then cleaned out. All that is required for cleaning is a nozzle and jetting action. The implementation of this chemical sealant procedure provided reliable zonal isolation of highly depleted upper zone and allowed full access (with CT, Slick Line and E-line) to deeper productive lower zone. The successful chemical isolation in this well has resulted in avoidance of expensive workover operations.This paper discusses the pre-job planning, benefits, challenges, design, execution, evaluation and lessons learned for applying this novel isolation method.

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“…It is well known that chrome-based systems tend to hydrolyze and precipitate especially with increasing pH and temperature (Lockhart 1992;Bartosek 1994). • Adequate pumping times in environments up to 350°F (177°C) to obtain adequate placement time before the system undergoes the phase change from liquid to a three-dimensional gel structure.…”

Section: Ocp Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Successful Combination of an Organically Crosslinked Polymer System and a Rigid-Setting Material for Conformance Control in Mexico

Guerrero

Vasquez

Soriano

et al. 2008

SPE International Symposium and Exhibition on Formation Damage Control

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The Cantarell field, a mature reservoir offshore Mexico, presents significant water management problems because the hydrocarbon production comes from a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir. Controlling water production in the Cantarell field becomes more critical because of its limited water-handling facilities. This paper presents the field application of two systems widely used in the petroleum industry for water control: (1) an organically crosslinked polymer (OCP) system and (2) a rigid-setting material (RSM) system.The OCP system is based on a copolymer of acrylamide and t-butyl acrylate (PAtBA) crosslinked with polyethyleneimine (PEI). To date, more than 100 jobs have been performed in Mexico with this system to address conformance problems such as water coning/cresting, high-permeability streaks, gravel-pack isolation, fracture shutoff, and casing-leak repair. This system can penetrate deep into the matrix of the rock or fractures to provide a more efficient water shutoff. The RSM system is a rigid "cement-like" setting material that has a right-angle set. Unlike cement, the RSM system is capable of rapidly developing high compressive strength to avoid losing the treatment to the formation before setting and will not invade the formation. The RSM system is for near-wellbore applications.Several case histories are presented in this paper to show the application of these two water-shutoff systems together. The OCP system was used for deep matrix/fracture penetration while the RSM system was used as a tail-in because of its fastsetting properties and its capability to stop gas migration. These advanced water-control technologies have extended the well life and profitability of the treated wells. In the past, many of these wells were abandoned because of the limited waterhandling facilities.

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Polymer Gels for Conformance Treatments: Propagation of Cr(III) Crosslinking Complexes in Porous Media

Cited by 55 publications

References 11 publications

Development and Evaluation of High-Temperature Conformance Polymer Systems

Development and Evaluation of High-Temperature Conformance Polymer Systems

New Chemical Treatment Selectively Placed via Coiled Tubing to Isolate Depleted Upper Zone Allows for Access and Stimulation of Unproduced Lower Zone

Successful Combination of an Organically Crosslinked Polymer System and a Rigid-Setting Material for Conformance Control in Mexico

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