Development of Novel Thermoactive Polymer Compositions for Deep Fluid Diversion Purposes

Abstract

Oil and gas production is a vital component of the global economy, serving as the primary source of hydrocarbons, which are not only essential for various products but also as the primary energy source. Global energy consumption, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA), has been steadily increasing due to population growth and improved living standards, with a 2.9% increase in 2019, surpassing the 1.9% average annual growth rate of the previous decade [1]. Despite the growing interest in renewable energy resources, they currently represent a small portion of the global energy mix. In 2020, fossil fuels still dominated electricity production in the United States, accounting for approximately 80%, while renewables contributed around 20% [2, 3]. Additionally, renewable energy sources face challenges such as environmental dependence, high initial costs, and environmental consequences related to their production. In light of these circumstances, hydrocarbon production remains crucial to meet the rising energy demand, achieved through the exploration of new reservoirs or enhancing the productivity of existing ones. Exploring new reservoirs is resource-intensive and often located at greater depths, necessitating innovative technologies [4-5].