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Preparation and Performance Evaluation of a Plugging Agent with an Interpenetrating Polymer Network
Zengbao Wang1,2, Yitian Liu1, Weian Huang1,2
1School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 28, 2023
Summary
This study developed a new interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel for oilfield plugging agents. The IPN gel offers improved structural stability, temperature resistance, and plugging performance compared to conventional agents.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Petroleum Engineering
Background:
- Conventional polymer cross-linked elastic particle plugging agents in oilfields suffer from poor shear stability, temperature resistance, and plugging strength, especially for large pores.
- There is a need for improved plugging agents that offer enhanced structural integrity and performance under harsh downhole conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel as a high-performance plugging agent for oilfield applications.
- To investigate the synthesis, optimization, and performance evaluation of the IPN gel, focusing on its structural stability, temperature resistance, and plugging efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Stepwise synthesis of an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel.
- Optimization of IPN synthesis conditions (temperature, monomer concentration, cross-linker concentration, first network concentration).
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for micromorphology, and evaluation of viscoelasticity, temperature resistance, and plugging performance.
Main Results:
- Optimal IPN synthesis achieved at 60 °C, 10.0-15.0% monomer concentration, 1.0-2.0% cross-linker concentration, and 20% first network concentration.
- SEM analysis revealed good fusion and no phase separation, crucial for high strength; particle aggregates were found to reduce strength.
- The IPN gel demonstrated a 20-70% increase in elastic modulus, 25% higher temperature resistance, and a plugging rate of 98.9% with superior erosion resistance.
Conclusions:
- The developed IPN gel exhibits significantly improved structural stability, temperature resistance, and plugging effectiveness compared to conventional plugging agents like PAM-gel.
- The IPN plugging agent shows enhanced plugging pressure stability after erosion (3.8 times that of conventional PAM-gel).
- This research presents a novel and cost-effective method for enhancing oilfield plugging agent performance.
