Insights into the Injectivity and Propagation Behavior of Preformed Particle Gel (PPG) in a Low–Medium-Permeability Reservoir

Abstract

Heterogeneous phase combined flooding (HPCF) has been a promising technology used for enhancing oil recovery in heterogeneous mature reservoirs. However, the injectivity and propagation behavior of preformed particle gel (PPG) in low–medium-permeability reservoir porous media is crucial for HPCF treatment in a low–medium-permeability reservoir. Thus, the injectivity and propagation behavior of preformed particle gel in a low–medium-permeability reservoir were systematically studied by conducting a series of sand pack flooding experiments. The matching factor (δ) was defined as the ratio of the average size of PPG particles to the mean size of pore throats and the pressure difference ratio (β) was proposed to characterize the injectivity and propagation ability of PPG. The results show that with the increase in particle size and the decrease in permeability, the resistance factor and residual resistance factor increase. With the increase in the matching factor, the resistance factor and residual resistance factor increase. The higher the resistance factor and residual resistance factor are, the worse the injectivity of particles is. By fitting the relationship curve, PPG injection and propagation standards were established: when the matching coefficient is less than 55 and β is less than 3.4, PPG can be injected; when the matching coefficient is 55–72 and β is 3.4–6.5, PPG injection is difficult; when the matching coefficient is greater than 72 and β is greater than 6.5, PPG cannot be injected Thus, the matching relationship between PPG particle size and reservoir permeability was obtained. This research will provide theoretical support for further EOR research and field application of heterogeneous phase combined flooding.