Investigation of Static Tests (Swelling Ratio) in Using Preformed Particle Gel to Prevent Water Production

Abstract

In oil recovery from reservoirs, one of the most common problems is the production of
excess water. This has led to a more decline in production, increased operating costs and
the early closure of production wells due to the uneconomical nature of the process. One
of the most common methods used to prevent and control unwanted production water from
reservoirs is to use of preformed particle gel and inject them into reservoirs. These
materials are also known as plugging agents.
In this study, static tests (swelling ratio) were designed and performed and the effect of
various factors such as time, salinity, temperature, ionic strength and competition between
ions on the amount of swelling ratio of gels was investigated and the results show that in
addition to being new and innovative, they were used both in the design of dynamic tests
and in the understanding and description of the results of dynamic tests. Also, the results
showed that with increasing salinity and decreasing temperature, the swelling ratio of
preformed particle gel decreased. It also increases the ionic strength (the ions in the salt
water in which the preformed particle gel grains swell) and also reduces the swelling ratio
if the temperature rises.