Introduction of a novel mathematical model for the prediction of the preformed particle gel’s swelling in the presence of monovalent and divalent ions

Abstract

Excess water production is one of the challenges that can cause several operational and economic problems. In this work, a comprehensive study of the PPG swelling in the presence of monovalent and divalent ions was conducted. Then, a comprehensive and practical mathematical modified fractal grow (MFG) model that can calculate the amount of PPG swelling in different salinities overtime was introduced. The output of the model was compared with the experimental data and showed a matching of about 80%. The viscosity of the PPGs at various shear rates was studied and matched with the cross-viscosity model. To assess the thermal stability of the particle gels. The TGA result represented the 10% of weight loss up to the reservoir temperature. In the following, core flooding tests with different injection scenarios were conducted. The oil recovery for the water and water/PPG/water scenarios were 39.5% and 71.5%, respectively. Eventually, the relative permeability curves were plotted using the Corey approach, and the effect of the PPG injection on the relative permeability curves was shown. The PPG injection increased oil production and reduced the excess water production by reducing water mobility.