Investigating the effects of polymer plugging mechanism of liquid production decrease and improvement by the
Kuiqian Ma1, Mahamat Tahir Abdramane Mahamat Zene2,3, Li Baozhen4
1Tianjin Branch of CNOOC Co. Ltd, Tianjin, 300459, China.
Scientific Reports
|October 14, 2021
Summary
Polymer flooding can cause plugging and reduced oil production. Cross-linked gel treatments effectively mitigate this plugging, improving reservoir performance and increasing oil recovery.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Reservoir Engineering
Background:
- Polymer flooding is a successful chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method.
- Plugging during polymer flooding leads to reduced production rates and cumulative oil recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate polymer plugging mechanisms affecting liquid production decrease.
- Develop a cross-linked gel model to improve production rates.
Main Methods:
- Developed a polymer plugging mechanism model analyzing parameters like solid-phase concentration and reactant frequency factor.
- Utilized a physical model for polymer adsorption and a mathematical model to assess permeability reduction.
- Designed and tested cross-linked gel models to counteract plugging.
Main Results:
- Excessive solid-phase concentration and high reactant frequency factors significantly impact reservoir parameters during polymer flooding.
- Polymer flood base case showed a liquid ratio loss of 11.15 m³/day, while Case 1 reduced this to 1.97 m³/day.
- Cross-linked gel model Case 2 recovered liquid production to 25.43 m³/day and increased oil production to 15.22 m³/day.
Conclusions:
- Polymer plugging is a critical issue in enhanced oil recovery.
- Cross-linked gel application effectively addresses plugging issues, improving reservoir production rates and oil recovery.
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