The Opportunities and Challenges of Preformed Particle Gel in Enhanced Oil Recovery

Abstract

<jats:sec> <jats:title /> <jats:p>Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), is a technique that has been used to recover the remaining oil from the reservoirs after primary and secondary recovery methods. Some reservoirs are very complex and require advanced EOR techniques that containing new materials and additives in order to produce maximum oil in economic and environmentally friendly manners. Because of EOR techniques, in this work previous and current challenges have been discussed, and suggested some future opportunities. This work comprises the key factors, such as; transport of Preformed Particle Gels (PPGs), Surface wettability and conformance control that affect the efficiency of PPGs. The conduits, fractures, fracture-like features and high permeability streaks are the big challenges for EOR, as they may cause early water breakthrough and undesirable water channeling. Hence, the use of PPGs is one of the exclusive commercial gel inventions, which not only increases the oil production but also decreases the water cut during the oil production. Moreover, different studies regarding PPG, surfactants, and Silica nanoparticle applications, such as the effect of salinity, particle size, swelling ratio, gel strength, wettability, and adsorption were also discussed. Future work is required in order to overcome the conformance problems and increase the oil recovery.</jats:p> </jats:sec>

Experimental Performance Evaluation and Optimization of a Weak Gel Deep-Profile Control System for Sandstone Reservoirs

“…Several gel systems have been developed for oil reservoirs with different conditions, including particle gels, gel agents that have excellent salt resistance, solvent–polymer weak gels, colloidal dispersion gels, and an ultrahigh molecular weight-hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM)/phenolic weak gel system, − which effectively expand the applicability and potential of weak gels. Furthermore, the combination of weak gels and microorganisms, as well as the CO 2 –gel fracturing system in shale oil reservoirs, is a new trend. , However, the flow properties of weak gel systems in porous media are not fully understood.…”

“…This results in the formation of a polymer gel of specified strength in a high-permeability zone away from the injector, which then forces the fluid to move into a low-permeability zone with high oil saturation, expanding the sweep volume and improving oil displacement efficiency. 23,24 Several gel systems have been developed for oil reservoirs with different conditions, including particle gels, gel agents that have excellent salt resistance, solvent−polymer weak gels, colloidal dispersion gels, and an ultrahigh molecular weight-hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM)/phenolic weak gel system, 23−27 which effectively expand the applicability and potential of weak gels. Furthermore, the combination of weak gels and microorganisms, as well as the CO 2 −gel fracturing system in shale oil reservoirs, is a new trend.…”

“…As opposed to conventional gels, weak gels inject a specific concentration of polymer and cross-linking agent into deep reservoirs using delayed cross-linking technology. This results in the formation of a polymer gel of specified strength in a high-permeability zone away from the injector, which then forces the fluid to move into a low-permeability zone with high oil saturation, expanding the sweep volume and improving oil displacement efficiency. , …”

“…This results in the formation of a polymer gel of specified strength in a high-permeability zone away from the injector, which then forces the fluid to move into a low-permeability zone with high oil saturation, expanding the sweep volume and improving oil displacement efficiency. 23 , 24 …”

Determination of Swelling Behavior and Mechanical and Thermal Resistance of Acrylamide–Acrylic Acid Copolymers under High Pressures and Temperatures

“…Field studies indicated that the synthesis approach of hydrogels, − salt solution properties (including the salt type and concentration and pH of the solution), and environmental properties where PPGs are placed (including temperature and pressure of the medium) can affect the PPG performance. , Imran et al discussed the challenges existing in environmentally and economically producing oil from reservoirs including undesirable water channels. They concluded that conformance control, PPG transportation, and surface wettability are deciding factors affecting PPG efficiency.…”