Study of a Double Cross-Linked HPAM Gel for in-Depth Profile Control

Abstract

The concept of profile control is one of the most important strategies to enhance oil recovery in a high water production field, with polymer gels being used as a gelant matrix in various reservoirs around the globe. In an effort to reach a suitable profile control, previous attempts lead to an increase of polymer concentration, resulting in a poor injection and insufficient in-depth profile control. The work presented here introduces a novel gel system, using both key functional groups on HPAM to react with two types of cross-linking agents. Different formulations and the properties of this double cross-linked HPAM gel system have been studied. The experimental results indicate that the studied double cross-linked HPAM gel system exhibits a higher gel strength, an improved salt and shear resistance as well as an improved plugging effect compared to a single cross-linked HPAM gel system. Moreover, as a result of higher gel strength, the double cross-linked HPAM gel system also shows a longer gelation time, a parameter particularly useful for in-depth profile control. The gel microstructures have been evaluated, with the double cross-linked HPAM gel exhibiting a molecular structure that is more compact. The latter is a clear indication for the improved properties of the system as will be detailed in subsequent sections.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Double cross-linking
• gel system
• microstructure
• profile control in-depth