Artificial Fracture Testing of PPG Blocking in Fractured Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fractured reservoirs, injected fluids tend to channel through highly permeable layers, neglecting less permeable layers, leading to incomplete recovery of hydrocarbons due to conformance issues, which conventional plugging agents like pre-formed particle gels (PPGs) aim to address by forming gel packs to divert fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using an artificial fracture setup with a pump, accumulator, and pressure measurement system to test the effectiveness of PPGs, ensuring continuous mixing and pressure monitoring to evaluate their blocking efficiency in simulating downhole conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-formed particle gels are injected into fractured reservoirs to block high permeability zones, then fluid flow is diverted to low permeability zones, but the system complexity increases due to the need for specialized testing equipment and monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified laboratory model that copies the essential features of fractured reservoirs using artificial fracture setups. This model includes scaled-down representations of fracture networks, permeability variations, and fluid flow paths, allowing PPG performance to be evaluated without requiring complex field-scale testing equipment while still producing meaningful results for hydrocarbon recovery prediction
2Measurement precision
If pressure measurement systems are implemented to monitor flow restriction in artificial fractures, then real-time data on gel blocking efficiency is obtained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pressure measurement systems at specific strategic locations within the artificial fracture model rather than throughout the entire system. Pressure sensors are positioned at key points where flow restriction occurs, such as near the gel injection zone and at outlet points, providing localized measurements of blocking efficiency without requiring comprehensive system-wide monitoring equipment
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous mixing is maintained in the accumulator during gel suspension injection, then uniform fluid distribution is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic mixing cycles rather than continuous mixing in the accumulator. The magnetic stirrer operates in intermittent cycles, mixing the gel suspension thoroughly during injection phases and then remaining stationary during holding phases. This periodic operation maintains suspension uniformity while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous mixing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively simulates PPG performance in blocking fractures, ensuring uniform fluid distribution and maximizing hydrocarbon recovery by diverting flow to low permeability zones, overcoming conventional methods' limitations in mimicking real-world fracture dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
The pump may include a hydraulic fluid that may pressurize the suspension contained in the accumulator to flow through an out port. The artificial fracture setup is configured to receive the suspension flowing from the accumulator through a flow channel.
Implementation Method 2
The pump may include a hydraulic fluid that may pressurize the suspension contained in the accumulator to flow through an out port
Implementation Method 3
The gel particles may get stuck in the fractures of the artificial fracture setup and restrict flow. This may result in an increase in pressure within the fractures
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of testing pre-formed particle gels in an artificial fracture system includes introducing a suspension including a pre-formed particle gel into a testing device that includes an artificial fracture setup with a plurality of fracture model units. The system is configured to inject pre-formed particle gels into an accumulator with magnetic stirrers first and then into a series of fracture model units configured to receive a fluid through a flow channel and, change the flow channel in a transverse direction relative to the direction of the fluid flow.