Weak Gel System for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Author Information
Author(s): Long Yunqian, Zhang Chenkan, Yin Dandan, Huang Tao, Zhang Hailong, Yue Ming, Huang Xiaohe, Bokias Georgios
Primary Institution: Zhejiang Ocean University
Hypothesis
Can a weak gel system improve oil recovery in heterogeneous reservoirs after polymer flooding?
Conclusion
The weak gel system significantly enhances oil recovery in low-permeability sandpacks, achieving recoveries of up to 48% after polymer flooding.
Supporting Evidence
- The weak gel system shows better conformance control than partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide solutions.
- Enhanced oil recoveries in low-permeability sandpacks increased from 22% to 48% with higher permeability ratios.
- The weak gel system exhibits pseudo-plastic behavior and superior viscoelastic properties.
Takeaway
Scientists created a special gel that helps get more oil out of tricky places in the ground, especially where it's hard to reach.
Methodology
The study synthesized a weak gel system and conducted parallel sandpack flooding experiments to assess its oil recovery capabilities.
Limitations
The application of weak gel systems in reservoirs post-polymer flooding is still limited and requires further research.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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