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Study of Displacement Efficiency and Flow Behavior of Foamed Gel in Non-Homogeneous Porous Media
PLoS ONE
  • Yanling Wang
  • Jiafeng Jin
  • Baojun Bai, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Mingzhen Wei, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

Field trials have demonstrated that foamed gel is a very cost-effective technology for profile modification and water shut-off. However, the mechanisms of profile modification and flow behavior of foamed gel in non-homogeneous porous media are not yet well understood. In order to investigate these mechanisms and the interactions between foamed gel and oil in porous media, coreflooding and pore-scale visualization waterflooding experiments were performed in the laboratory. The results of the coreflooding experiment in non-homogeneous porous media showed that the displacement efficiency improved by approximately 30% after injecting a 0.3 pore volume of foamed gel, and was proportional to the pore volumes of the injected foamed gel. Additionally, the mid-high permeability zone can be selectively plugged by foamed gel, and then oil located in the low permeability zone will be displaced. The visualization images demonstrated that the amoeba effect and Jamin effect are the main mechanisms for enhancing oil recovery by foamed gel. Compared with conventional gel, a unique benefit of foamed gel is that it can pass through micropores by transforming into arbitrary shapes without rupturing, this phenomenon has been named the amoeba effect. Additionally, the stability of foam in the presence of crude oil also was investigated. Image and statistical analysis showed that these foams boast excellent oil resistance and elasticity, which allows them to work deep within formations.:

Department(s)
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
  • Petroleum,
  • Gel,
  • Enhanced Oil Recovery,
  • Flow Kinetics,
  • Foam,
  • Foamed Gel,
  • Fuel And Fuel Related Phenomena,
  • Gel,
  • Gelation,
  • Image Analysis,
  • Permeability,
  • Statistical Analysis,
  • Strength,
  • Viscosity,
  • Chemical Model,
  • Chemistry,
  • Porosity,
  • Models, Chemical,
  • Porosity
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2015 Public Library of Science, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
6-1-2015
Publication Date
01 Jun 2015
Disciplines
Citation Information
Yanling Wang, Jiafeng Jin, Baojun Bai and Mingzhen Wei. "Study of Displacement Efficiency and Flow Behavior of Foamed Gel in Non-Homogeneous Porous Media" PLoS ONE Vol. 10 Iss. 6 (2015) ISSN: 1932-6203
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mingzhen-wei/48/