Development and Performance Evaluation of Steam Channeling Plugging Agent of Thermal Oil Recovery

Abstract

Under the constraints of high temperature and heterogeneity, the common profile control agent can not effectively plug the steam channeling. To address this issue, it is necessary to develop the high temperature resistance steam channeling plugging agent to improve the steam suction profile in the heavy oil reservoir. This paper used Simple Variable Method to optimize the content of the components of the high temperature resistant plugging agent. Static performances evaluation aims to study the influence rules of the formation condition (temperature, salinity and pH value). Dynamic evaluation is used to study its performance (plugging ratio, residual resistance factor, scouring resistance and thermal stability) in the sand-filled pipe to testify its applicability. The ratio of the component and the injection sequence are shown as follows: 0.03% coagulant +2.2% cross-linking agent I + 1.2% cross-linking II + 6% high efficient main agent. The evaluation experiment results show that the gel can resist at least 280 o C, the plugging ratio is above 93.1%. The plugging ratio only have a 8.43% reduction after scoured by 15 PV steam (280 o C). After a 10-day thermal stability experiment (280 o C), the plugging ratio is still above 80%. The result indicated that the plugging agent is suitable for the improvement of steam suction profile. The suggested way of injection is also provided.