Work

Design of a Dual Molecular Weight Polymer Gel for Water-Shutoff Treatment in a Reservoir with Active Aquifer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents the formulation and evaluation of a dual molecular weight polymer gel system composed of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) and crosslinked with polyethyleneimine (PEI) for water shut-off applications. A soft gel, designed for deep reservoir penetration, was formulated using 5000 ppm high-molecular-weight HPAM, while a rigid gel for near-wellbore blockage combined 5000 ppm high- and 5000 ppm low-molecular-weight HPAM. The gel system was designed at 65 °C, with an initial gelation time exceeding 8 h and viscosity values below 15 cP before gelation, ensuring ease of injection. Laboratory assessments included bottle testing, rotational and oscillatory rheological measurements, and core flooding to determine residual resistance factors (RRFs). The soft gel achieved a final strength of Grade D (low mobility), while the rigid gel reached Grade G (moderate deformability, immobile), according to Sydansk's classification. RRF values reached 93 for the soft gel and 185 for the rigid gel, with both systems showing strong washout resistance and water shut-off efficiencies above 95%. These results demonstrate the potential of the HPAM/PEI gel system as an effective solution for conformance control in mature reservoirs with active aquifers.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym17101399

Authors: Maria Isabel Sandoval Martinez, Valeria Salgado Carabali, Andres Ramirez, Arlex Chaves-Guerrero, Samuel Muñoz Navarro

Institution: Universidad Industrial de Santander

Language: English

Topic: Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología, Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos