Preparation and Applicability Evaluation of High-Temperature-Resistant, Breakable Resin-Gel Plugging Agent

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Materials Science
• Reservoir Engineering

Background:

• Gas channeling in injection-production wells of karst-fractured reservoirs is a significant challenge.
• High temperatures (up to 150 °C) exacerbate this issue, demanding robust plugging solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-temperature-resistant resin-gel plugging system for mitigating gas channeling.
• To optimize the formulation for enhanced stability, contamination resistance, and controlled gel breaking.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an AMPS/NVP copolymer matrix reinforced with phenolic resin.
• Incorporated polyamide microcapsules for controlled release of gel breakers.
• Optimized formulation with specific concentrations of NEP, DEP, HMTA, catechol, and resin curing agent.

Main Results:

• The system demonstrated excellent thermal stability at 150 °C (G' ≥ 125 Pa, compressive strength > 18 MPa).
• Exhibited strong contamination resistance with <9.7% viscosity reduction and >87% storage modulus retention.
• Achieved controllable gel breaking (≥ 99.7% within 21 days) and high plugging efficiency (>92%) in simulated fractures (0.1-2 mm).

Conclusions:

• The developed resin-gel system effectively suppresses gas channeling in high-temperature, complex formations.
• This technology is suitable for gas injection wells in karst-fractured reservoirs and shows potential for shale gas and geothermal applications.