Evaluation of Near-Wellbore Formation Treatment by Gel Particles Using Dimensional Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Analysis and interpretation of experimental data of laboratory tests of porous formation treatment by gel particles conducted at different gel particles suspension and application conditions are presented based on the dimensional analysis method. The measured permeability reduction caused by gel particles suspension injection into sand packs is correlated successfully by using the dimensionless groups developed from the relevant variables of sand packs, gel particles suspensions, and application operation conditions. The dimensionless correlations are shown to assist in quantifying the effect of the particle-diameter to pore-throat size ratio on permeability reduction, evaluating the treatment of highly permeable and weak near well-bore formations by gel particles, and extrapolating from laboratory to field conditions. The present dimensionless correlations can predict the evolving permeability reduction under the varying conditions of gel particles suspension injection processes. The proposed dimensionless correlations can assist in effective design and mitigation of treatment of high-permeability near-wellbore formations by gel particles for avoiding drilling-fluids lost circulation, remediating reservoir permeability heterogeneity, and reducing water production in waterflooded mature oil fields.