A newer trend in gel treatments is using preformed particle gels (PPGs) to reduce fluid channels through super-high permeability streaks/fractures. This work sought to determine what factors influence the blocking efficiency of PPG on fluid channels.
A transparent model was designed to observe the compression of gel particles in fluid channels at different load pressures to study the effect of different parameters on PPG blocking efficiency.
Permeable gel pack was formed in fluid channels by gel particles and its permeability depends on particle sizes, brine concentrations, and load pressure. Gel pack is compressed and its permeability is reduced as load pressure increases. The permeability of gel pack increases with the increase of particle sizes. The blocking efficiency of particle gels on channels will reduce if we select large sized or/and strong particles.
A gel pack which has a desired permeability can be designed by selecting proper gel at reservoir pressures.