Experimental

Measurement

Persistence

of

Reduction
With

XanthanlCr(NE)

R.W.

Jr.,*

Eggwt

G.P.

SPE,

the

Permeability

Porous

in

of

Media
Gel

WIUhite,

SPE,

D.W.

and

Treated

Systems

Green,

SPE,

U.

of

Kansas

191b30

Spg
Summary.

A series

packs

treated

with

These

systems

a sandpack.

exbiblt

and

in bulk-gel
.effectivi

is not

when

md permeability

during

between

increase

3.0

6.5.

Other

removed

from

the

systems,

reacted

This

sindpack

effluent

with

the

during

Cr@l)

expe~ents

were

for up to 4 months

,Plow

experiments

response

to 60%

that

observations

Cl@),

were

on the bulk

the magnitude
oil does

flushing

ranged

declined

supported

gel indica@
of tie

not*!

from

38%

exponentially

pressure

drop

that the mwm=mt

Excellent
owing

would

perme?biiity

ctkm&

mcdific=tiOn

the

<0.1

in which

permeability

25-ppm-Cr(ILO

less

gel to 70%

contbu+

suggesting

most

orighml

injected

from
The

for

~at

obtained
were

4,000

brine

increased@

~efi~

s~dpac~.

Flow

~me~sis

was
Gels

of the

as pH

thm

psi/$
md

used.

ppm.

to set up in

of 13.3

% of their

the pH

decrease

W=

a gel

reduction
were

regainkd

permeability
for

permeabili~

sand.

25 to 200

Of sw~g

to syneresis

the sandpacks

as flushing

from

at a constant

by experiments

that

in unconsolidated
allowing

tests

where

resistance

concentrations
by first

indicated

in bulk

Cr@I)

conducted

sandpacks.

in volyme

of 35 to 75 ppm

residual

.concentqtion

in unconsolidated

reduction

of flow

and

brine

tests

biine

xantban

with

with

however,

indicated

The

the persistence

ppm

time.

These

occurrd,

experiment

Z,@Xl

changes
35%

swelling

to determine
with

or syneresis.

in the range

The

condutied

prepared

the sandpack
of gel

exhibited

resistance

as pH decreas@

uremds..

flushing

the experiments.

and

were

swelling

predictor

tlmt

flow

of

permeability

a gocd

gels

at retaining

varied

tiall

continuously

was

Gels

degrees

to calculate

tests

sandpacks

experiments
gels.

various

hen

rate was monitored

in

of long-term

xanthan/Cr(IIIl

tie

was

would

bw-gel

~Ount

m=Of Cr@f)

200-ppm-Cr@)

the Cr(J2J)

gel.

recovered

never

polymer.

Introduction
iihny

reservoirs

Some

of these

that existed
cases

have

large

variations

when

be

such

Fraitures

with

the depositional

framework

changes,

responsible.

in penneabiliq

from

the reservoir

postdepositional

may

variations

result

was laid

down.

as dngenesis

may

also

be

depth.

environment
fn other

and

fractures,

introdu~

during

POF~ons.
When SWOUd@
recovery
processes,
such as
watertlowling,
we implemented
in such heterogeneous
systep?-$, injected
fluids flow in the direction
of least resistance,
bypassing
a
portion

of the oil-bearing

volumetic
One

sweep
method

is to inject

a substance

mcdikication,
process:

methods
well

lation

partic@.e
by metal
?pp&,rs

tions

and

sofids,

sweep

been

permeability

gels,

and polymers.

to a wide
in several
by i@itu

gum;

or aluminum,

is suspected

.a few

water

spread

more
Ma

on the persistence
witlistand

tion well

without

Wble

bottle

The

simaks

eveidy

over

with

gel

pay

drop

in the Idgb-permeabtity

Many

polymcrlmetal

9.10 Gels

containing

condi-

Nw

at BHP Petroleum
1992 Sticl~

(Americas) Inc.
d Petroleum

Engineers

of a study

wsumed

Compositions

Ma

testing

would

l~d

because
to the for:

the

intended

of the persistence

unconsolidated

sandpacks

and

a gel has the capability

when

of per-

treated

Syneresis

iflto

a gel there

with-

tie

linked

injected

this

wi~

defends
The

the injec-

evaluated
concentrations

fmc-

volume

of the
is usually

11 and
theory,

leads

network,

and

sometime

after

Hermans

be described

12 polynier-network

equilibrium

swelling

degsity,

of solvent.

the initial

gel forms.

properties

of cross:

theoretically
theory.

state

caused

crosslink

expulsion

are thermodynamic

of apor-

is often

to a higher

the

deyxibes

by expulsion

polymer

can

to increase

Syneresis

Syneresis

observed
that

in bottle

is observed

and

solvent.

of the gel.

of xantiwn

studied

property

solvent

excess

which

systems

the

swelling

of a gel caused

aging

syneresis

polymer

when

from

According

of a gel

to

is a balance

between
two potentials;
a m.ix@g potential
that favo,m the di~ersion of the polymer
network
into +e solvent,
and an elastic potenM

interval.

with

cros$linhg,

&d

The

to absorb

contacted
upon

by the cmsslinking

properties

syneresis.

in the

by condnued

formed

unique

when

Flory

floys

two

sive!.bg

fiat

~.~

its most

to resi.q

probable

Swefling
volume

and

any

further

Wwn,a

syneresis

gel undergoes

leads

are

to excess

to separation
solvent,

to the properties
swelling

deformation

cotilguration.
toward

a gel swells
of the
and

example,

ties

of 2,000-ppm-xanthm

Gales

changes

the contraction
and

solvsnt

to reach

solvent

syneresis

For

predictable

a tbenncdynamically

syneresis,
of the gel

of the network

tlom

10

represent

of a gel as it moves

for

exhibit
Cqyrlght

by expedtreatments.

periods.

from

in the reservok

Gels

exhibit

Swelling

volumetic

ion compositions
high

time
.have

system.

Theory.

Cr@?J

a contraction

stmaks,or

ase e+nsively

ge-

usually

near

for long

discarded

results
in

gelling

the decrease

modification.

pressure

describes

reduction

tion of the solvent

proj4ct

permeabili~

with
system

channels
in the gels and destroy
properties
of the gels.

tests:

as @ya@a-

that

paper

gel volume

of the in-

solution

net

of

3S

where

and f-

tie

high

gel fonnul$ons
tests.

well

This

tests

were

syneresis

mation
of water
permeability-reducing

gel

for permeability-modification

in bottle

that

shuctures

cromliier,

permeability-modifwaion

degrading

in botie

~ch

it is hypothesized

a continuous

tksts.

tests.

consists

ion

an tijection

of the long-term

Comeq+ntly,

stabili~,in

into

treatment,

effectiveness

gel must
tures.

a metillic

to be a problem.

After

field
gelation

thought

in-situ

of reservoir

polymer,

or high-permeability

days.

will

The

and

methcds,

range

stable
symreiis

(stujnk)

evaluadng

Background

poIypIe~e

or colloidal

2 Of tiese

if the gel was

that exhiiited
it was

syneresis

satisfactmy

Gd-SwelIing

of cement

that

persons

pro-

to @cni

injection

monomers
gels

undergo

pro~e

in the vicinity

including
and

successful

xantban

the fmctures

not

silica

polymers,

modification

cliromium

in

the

a gel was

often
Thus,

Cr(lIl)/xanthan

Permeability
used

that

meabiliv

adjustment,
oh

ions

solvent.

the

efficiency

me injectivity

ate terms

proposed,

to be applicable

has

or

sweep

perrneabili~

of a hi@-molecul.w-weight

mide

reduce.
process.

in the reservoir.

control,

been

ions

Permeability
je@on

to change

flowing

of ch&ging
have

water-soluble

formed

volumetric

and flpid diversion

Several
slurries,

a wel

zones

displacement

an injection
in situ,

into
of water

thief

01

waterflood

conformance

f~e mcdiIicadon,

These

of the

to @prove

and the distribution

this

layers.

eftkiency

of metal
ling

and
under

et al. lo presented
gels

the

gel.

a wide
data

cms+nked

the

state.

of the gel network

phases.

a stable

in

stable
When

state

exposed

corresponding

Xanthan/Cr(Hf)
variety
describing
with

gels

of conditions.
the proper-.

chromium

cOn,

WE

Reservoir

Engineering,

Febnmry

1952

29

,,

TABLE

ISUMMARy

OF

GEiS*

SANDPACK

IN

TASLE

2-SUMMARY

MEDIA

(SANDPACK)

iTuDIED

TESTS

.. .

(ppm)

Test
_

7.

Persistence

Permeability

Type

30

Persistence

35.

Persistence

50

Persistence

(red)

50

Persistence

and

Persistence

at

4,900
4,800

0.37
0.36

3,700

0.32

reproducibility

.4,400

ROS

0.35

4,100/1,870

: ;

Persistence
~ ) Persistence

and

effect

of brine

pH

100

Persistence

and

effect

of

PH

125
150

Persistence
Persistence

200

Persistence

100.

. ..

3,900
.,

50

,,,7.5

POROUS

Srine

Cr(lll)

.?<

OF

PROPERTIES

brine

at

S.W

0.s4

4,60u

0.36

3,900

0.36

8,800

0.36

4,800

0.38

4,200

0.35
0.33

3,800
.Xcmtha.

erdes.

66%

Cr(TfI)

that

(30 ppm)

exhibiting

Gales

neither

et af. found

of gels.

(volume

A series
was

exposed

ples Racked

their

equifibriqm

from

Swelling

32%

~d

Thes?

swelling
also

suggest

ion

composition,

stite,

that

except

pH,

and

the

swelling

gels

changes

as bulk

Dispersion
had

Porous

Media

Te$ts.

gel shrinkage

not

block

water

resewch

refwenm

conditions

gels.

conckntratims

permeability

tion

was

that

should

were

media.

Cr(IIf)

and

No

men-

syneresis.

sandstone
after

treated

with

of
corm.

2W

gel

conclusions

drawn

in porous

This

Cr@f)

observations

The

the

persistence

flowed
gel.

of permeability

at a constagt

Gels

xantban

selected

for this

study

of equilibrium

shows

,*e

set

Gel solutions

were

through

by meam

of two

the

9-in. -long
were

measurements.
in a 77F
30

drop

absorption

Fisher

Chemcids

study

wi@

were

by G&Set

tests

was

purple,

tion

swelling

and

time

as brine

was

treated

with

CN.fll)

in their

experimental

syneresis

properties.

was added

mixed,

pressure

placed
taps

sandpack.
collected

in a transfer

while

pressure

spaced

4 ~.,

Samples
in bottles

f%e tinted
constant-temperature

indicating

from
and

sandpacks
bath.

tie

apart

aside

were

then

After

was

cylinder

for later
agedfor

aging,

and Own
recorded

at the center

transfer

put

syneresis

the

uied

Batch

Number

TS-

active

xantlxq

(ac-

1000TM

concentration

as a biomixing

tie

standard

solution

from

to 3 % KCI brine

gmwimetricaly

polymer

solution.

The

m ensufe

chromiom

solution

to give

was

1000

6H20

and

chromium

when

by
with

X-Link

CrC13.

The

gelation

V4Y180

verified

comparison

sofution.

prepared

for subsequent

Lot

was

and

of CrC13.

solu-

the desired

mixed~,the

then

allowe$to

set

hydrolysis.

llqaration.
uniform

.%ndpacks

water
were

tube.

of
and

syneresis

properties

sandpack

were

of screens

was

flushed

evacuati

with

brine.

Porasiw

was

when

to brine-at

dry

100%

raw

and plotted

there

was

a linear

fhe sandpack

two weeks

pH

sandpack

washed

stab~ied

with

at 5.0.

COZ

studies

packing

soluble

Lucitew

tube

4-in.

.apad

was

with

was

measured

drop

vs.

were

ffow
flushed

KC1 at a pH

typically

took

with

end.
Each

the

pore

3 % KCI

by weighing
brine.

of 5.0

at three

40 PV

different

Table
the

of brine

that

2 gives

at 60 mLih
uiitil

@e

Permeability

cate to ensure

and no gas saturation.

Sandpacks

of the

at each

air. from

gravimehically

saturation

This

sand

and saturated

as pressure

(3%)

Sand-

an ID of

preparation.

to displace

saturated

iron.

with

in the center
the

of sandpack

vacuum,

when

relationship
ppm

for gelation
when

to remove

to tontine

details

determined
and

ptipertks.

of 30,W

used

a house

brine

flow

located

was
14 gives

space,

a brine

for 2 weeks

Ref.

chosen

be. obtained

in a 9-in.-long

taps

Pressure

A set

were

could

sandpac@r
and the PH cmdd be stabilized
was acid washed
with HC1 and iimed with

repatedly

prepired

of the sandpack.

and

Table

cyfinder,
drop

of the sindpacks

of formaldehyde
14 describes

hydrolysis

concentration

sandpack

the sandpack

5.0 W%

X-Link

Cr(fII)

AA chromium

Cr(lIl)

1.$ in.

to determine

at the same

of-lo

biqmlymer

48CKIPW

Spectmphotometry

Cr(llT)

in bottle

sandpacks

made

used

(AA)

done with an automatic

by acid washing.
Sand

planned

through

xantban

The

Ptizer

The

because

of geIs .usezi.

dk.placyf

eftluent

reduction

pressure

concxmhadons

was

after

contained

from

Cr(Ill)].

atomic

packs
work

in two

Ffccon

broth

in gel systems

media.

experimental

to

systems-

Study

Experiments.

from

obtained

w/w

distilled
Ex@r[memtaf

response

sandpacks

Ptwparatio&

came

xantban

was

17.61%

Sandpack

from

the s~e

of the

the ptiier
assay),
1,500 ppm
some
celhdar
debris.
Ref.

and

overnight

PVs

syneresis.
characteristics

ranging
whether

conducted

porosity

Sample

is a concentrated

of its pretreat-

reported

in cores

effectiveness

gels in P.erea

showed

a pH

to show

procedures.

reduc-

of brine.

or underwent

were

of swelJing/syneresi3

be tested

8%

PV

W-to
cide,

the

one example

the Iong-term

of 1,000

irjected

significant

existeace

suggest

swelled

t%ctors

of brine

exhibited

The

the

only
525

Folyacrylamide.

resistance

(50 days)

with

studied

with

in porous
presented

regained

gels

dealing

Few

a gel of unspecified

flushing

summersl$

crossfinked

Resi@al
that

whetAer

and

assumed

of permeabili~

et al..g

with

that

after

made

Purkaple
chromium

Avery

with

WCUred.

Materials

the gel will

formation.

reduction

treated

have
that

published

on tie persistence

saodpack

xanthan

ment

been

on permeabtity

by xar@an/Cr(DI)

persons

.widence

was determined

brine
expected

medii

were

the effective

in the experiments

of an underground
have

was found

of a 1,2W-md
and

pores

many

is direct

with

its orit@d

unique

temperature.

earlier,

tests

however,

of syneresis

single
tion

in the

results,

effects

AS noted

in bottle

ap-

gels.

experiments

to estimate

The experimental

14.

were

in Pious

In]wtlon.

permeability

them

exper&ents

xtinthan/Cr(lIT)
in pH

Ref.

sandpck

by flushing

gel

measw~.

of pH on gelled

3 to 7. These

5 before

were

in detail

sandpacks

261-145.
that

concenti-tion

bulk
varied

8! pH.

milked

sam-

at pH 7.1.

not retain

under

is described

from

to temperature.

a gel will

conditions

undl

The gel behavior

sensitive

Cr(lll)

The effect

proper-

were

eflluent

in two

pHs

at pH 2.5 to 107%

are

reservoir

of various

Sandpacks

paratus

its original

syneresis.

the swellingkyneresis

to brines

syneresis

onder

of metal

was a single

the gel retained

nor

affects

symmesis

experiments

volume

where

=&g

There

of 50-ppm-Cr(fIf)/4,000-ppm-kmthan

samples

linearly

@%riuoMates

decrease).

swelling

that.pH

.All

Kcl

gels exftibkd

to 71 %.sjneresii

concentration

volume,
ties

was 2,000 mm 1.3%

It was observed

from

gel

concmwatlm

with

effluent
for

acid-

sand.
SPE Reservoir

Engin&g,

February

1992

Di.@wemnt

R-efm-dionauf
prepared
with

by nixing

Cr(711)

bm.

solution

Chromium

was
over

added

shoulder

ing,
The

the PH was adjusted

solution
was p&red

Three

PV

PV of injection

sure

drop

ously

(inlet)

the

the

for

onto

and. for

at 10 psi,

Tbi.s pressure

which

.35

uring

of water

sure

drop,

lineti

rate over

solving

for tie

equation.

10 psi, but was measured

with

30 sezonda

drop

Fig.

witi
over

PVs

of brine

flushed

tmphotonwhy.

These

of chromium

retained

Syneresis
media

data

through

were

in the

Measurement.

to understand

1,800

the sandpack

were

recorded

and

the

kateled

bag

and came

fer cylinder

after

the effluent

from

total

in bottle

mass

Mm

of the

The

second

in the tmns-

sample

of gel solution

Approximately

same

of symeresis
for eqch
The fust sample
w=

the gel remaining

PV

measured

in the porous

samples

for degree
with gel.

as the third

was

gel behavior

a run was completed.

into the sandpack.

tie

of syneresis

between

in volume

sample,

to calculate

degrea

were measured
that were treated

lected
injected

The

decre?se

used

from the
AA spec-

sandpack.

the relationship

gel. Two samples

of the sandpacks

100 cms

was colwas

The

syneresis
series

measurements

in reduchg

permeability
were

thus

measured.

Loss

of volume

Gafes

conducted

in which

of each

at their

swelling
was

at the

was

section

examined

Pressure
similar.

equilibrium

measured

same

histories

of apparent

long-term
tion

brine

of 3.2

flushing

W%

KC1

KC1 solution

through

was, an?Jyzefi

with

change

in KC1

Sandpacks.

of tbe treated
and

D~PersiOn
sandpacks

permeability

viscosity

Effluent

jection.

formed

gels

Cr(Dl)

gel

iqjeed

to dispface

the

sandpack.

Effluent

a differential

concentmtion

the

that

servation.

During

sure

over

droD

Effluent
pared

fi?m

re~ctmmeter
as a function

gels.

from

beIieve

reviewing

A solu3.0%

sandpacks
the

injected.

Results

First,
line

were

injectid

outside
with
SPi3

Solution

rapidly

the sandpack
gel

solution

3&sery~,Enginetig,

and

before

could

the gel

jected

into a sandpack.

cosi~

than

the tirst
Cr(lU)

to rapid

gel

displaced

during

coucentmdions.

sigh

125

behavior

ppm.
during

concentrations.

mixed

rather
age

Oum in-

as it was

had a ~gher

of the faster

aggregates

concentra-

was

a constant

Second,

was

containing

showing

Cr(BI)

the last PV injected

PV injtitedbecauso

Cr~.

the sandpacks.

placement

batch

the

down
them

Cr(DI)

the observed

were

still
and

ppm

solutions

without

at the highest

of gaf

Microvia-

Cr~.,

through

did
com-

eftlient

solutions,

the hig!iest

did not have

formation

runs

1.6 ~

of 200

when

to cause

Thus,

25 psi,

$Iid not gel because

be displaced

solutions

was

176 ppm

concen~ation

retention

a gel solution

of ob-

a faster
and

geladon
reactiori

retention

in~srate
rate

in the

sandpack.
in the

(3 PV

because
mixed,

than

The

of Cr(DTl

data,

solutions

within

the pre+

gel solution

solution.

color

were

are thought
of tie

at the higher

Discussion

and

factors

gel placement

150-ppmgel

OD a BrooM1eld

xanthan

retention

polymer

125 ppm

to

The

the effluent

samples

that

fi-

g 30

to more

and 77F

the displacement

of a gel solution

150,

dufig

gel solution,

in the last PV w*

chromium

125,

dIJP

a rigid

200-ppm-Cr(IIIl

blue

polymer

sandpack.

did not gel in 6 months

viscosi~of

efthent

end

change

75 psilft.

the injected

that

complete

Two
the

tie

was

of 75,

tests.

formed

increased

than

a 2,00Q-ppm

150 and ZOO ppm

h

leads

placement
of&l

from

&xinmm
for

slightly

nearly

to determine
of volume

section

to 30 cp (at 12 revhnin

only

tinishing

tie

test

little

in the

contamm

of the 150-ppm

of more

samules

not form

sample

placement
the

composition

(iiet)

were

at the

indicating

in subsequent

the effluent

solutions

.brwkthrougb

leveled,

sample

in the test

as the gel solution

Cr~
coiicen!rations
a steady-state
pres:u~

studied

concentration

when

drop
solution

bag

presuregradient

After

of gel solutions

we~

solution
while

The bot-

resident

and

samples

24 hours,

We

measurements.

was

Well

md.

drop
gel

rapidly

section.

the pressure

chromium

exP~*ent3

after

md

injection
10

50-ppm-Cr(lII)

to

Gel solutions
containing
and 20Q ppm did not reach

tion

Gefled
on two

10

effluent.

increa.xd

the test

of the original

procedure

30-

drop

through

of significant,
condu~

for

had much

et af. 1

Disperdon.fbrough

an

the pressure

of the

sample

condition

by the

of

permeability=

by obseming

The prassure

displac@

of the gels

was determined.

ft.

Z&e=

vicinity

Brine

and characteristics

cometerm)

conclusion

the effectiveness

of the sandpacks

tle samples
by

were

of e.xperinients

CP
0.333

Gel-Treated

In the

rates.

being

collected.

were

gradient

injection

of fhe sandpack,

Total

of ~e

lPraswre

various

solution

the

nominally

during
tie 1 to 4 monti!.s of brine icjection.
The effluent
sandpack
was analyzed
for chromium
periodically
by

(ft)

ft.

pres-

total

and averaged

of

4Ss

1.

Radius=

Permeability

at

seconds.

were

viscosity=

100

80

.Wellbore

pres-

by QMS-

was

60

From

Wellbore

when

of 0.33

permeability

40

Distance

of

~j~~On

the

20

assuming

a radius

and

tie

1 shows

was determined

effective

was

gradient

computed

The pressure

every

drop

watefiood

were

an 1 ,80@c0ndinterval

of Darcys

at a pH

well

Fig.

50

days.

to approximate

law?

a wellbore

in

s~Ples

of an irjdon

gradients

of the sandpack

and then

form

... .

time

by mnnecting

a pressure

is 10 md.

Darcys

(1 cp) from

shut

a few

Pressure

selected

mea

to water

permeabw
flow

100

pres-

ample

Effluent

of shut-in
P

was

in the near-wellbore
from

flow

bbl/day/ft

condnu-

were
was

within

source.

is equivalent

These

T&

the 2 weeks

gra~ent

cakulated

Effective

used

A 15 bbl/dw/ft

the

The

of 3 % KC1 brine.

pressure.

of 1 to 2.5 B/(D-ft).

radial

iniotim

5 .bbl/d~/ft

in a

during

was measured

to begin.

tijection

permeabtity

gradients

gel solu-

colfected

of syneres~

after

13.3

gradient

sandpack

measurements.

bath.

syneresis

Ffuahfng.

maintained

effective

m1 bbl/dw/fL

200

of mix-

with

the sandpacks

water

signs

to a constant

psi/ft.

each

samples

for later

in 77F

immediately

sandpack

average

saved

to show

Brine

of 5.0 begin

into

of a displacement,

began

Long-Term

the vor-

completion

saturation

4 in. of sandpack

2 weeks

gel to form

generally

displacement.

completion

stored

dilute HC1 acid or KOH.

bag for installation
in ti=

complete

and effluent

were

the center

during

rates

260

a maZQ~cs~

a burette

Upon

were. tijwted

to ensure

samples

over

Upon

sure

wi~

fibm

period.

to 5.0 by.adding
intoa plastic

of gel solution

of 30 minutes
Bag

the

dropwise

were

in 3 % KCI brine

160

third

the

in a M*er

a .20-minute

tion.

for

Gel 3Qluti0ns

prepared

cyliider.

period

and

solutions

in 3%. KCI

tex

transfer

of Gel SOMion.

the polymer

SandpA@w.

in 30 minutes).

Deniure
gefation
Febhuy

that

gel

to miqimize

the pori!

occiured.
19%2

The

space

Placement

solutioris
gelation
was

ftied

of the

gel

Placement
than

gel

tests

systems

in sandpack
at a 2,01%ppm

suggest
studied

for Cr(IIf)
plymer

tba? indepth
in this

research

concentrations
concentration.

propagation
is probably
greater

than

of Cr(III)/xannot
about

possible
125 ppm

1111111

~o.,

.;OO ~

0
S6

60

76

Cr(f3f)

100

Initial&

1S0

1,S0

Charged,

176

20
Days
450

pprn

2Resulfs

of

Y(lll)lxanthan

Moh . ...o . ...&

degr&
pies

2,OOO

swelling
ppm

s...+.

of syneresis
over

equOlbrlum

gels,

of hqet

V&S determined

a ronge

of 35 to 200

ppm

~d

Cr(IU).

Fig.

of the swefling

measurements

lost

to 70%

from

sync.resis.

similar

20%

Swelling

values

with

of their

measurements

of syneresis

EMu~t
(bag)

agreement

from

Fig.

on

&+mp16.

The

and et%ent
2 shows
those

volome

sac+

the close

of Gales.
in bottle

of etMmt

for Cr(fU)

3Effecf

4 treated

on bkt

These

gels

measurements

xanthan.

samples

concentzatiou$

15

this

work

ppm,

were

4,CO0

ppm

to 4x

102.

data

for gels

4,000

ppm

previous

studies

of various
xantban

&(fQ/xanihan
Cr(IIl)/xantban.

Cr(IU)
ratio

Even

that

concentrations

corrdated

weight

10 showed

showed

of 35 to 125

when
over

though

plotted

as perceot

range

of 1 X10-2

tle

the gelled

sandpack

ppm

Cr(Iff),

Pre-Gel

2.000

3,0C0,

and

swelfhg

vs.

to 4X1O2

experiments

Perm.

ppm

x~~~

3,900

md

Pe&3ence
sandpacks

ppm

DaY%
perm.
of Saodpack

xanthan

a xanthm

be applicable

Reduction

gel.

concentration

to xantban

of Permeability
when

of

of 2,~

gels

weight

brine

injection

of 3,000

ratio

excqx

the oneat

kcted

from

25 ppm

the inlet,

initial

0.5

brine

and

of 1 X 10-2

W(III)

syneresis

of the

sandpack

2,000

wifl

drop.
3.9

to

m samples
had little

coleffect

treatment.

xanthan

4,200

md

per-

gel systems

after

ppm

perm.=

+11

some

pressure

compared

TINIS, .syneresis

Cr[IfI),

a mmf&t

ex@bited

permeability

pprn

F2uddog.
had

the gel solutions.,@

as expected.

Pre-gel

under

to 1.5 md,

with

Brine

gel systems

begin

from

treahnmt

before

with

Cr(JIt)/xantban

ranged

8.8 ticks

on the

with

00

102
pre-gel-

permeabillfy

Cr(lOYxanthan

treated

100
1.s

on

same

150
100

at
of

Cr(lll)/2,000

with

should

ovmtbe

Permeabilities

swellingkyneresis
at 2,0C0,

Injection

ppm

IZO

Injection

fnjected
=- Z.5Z

conducted

the results

meabii
from

25

Wine

.. 100

tests

ppm.
ResuM.s

of brine

wlfh

80

60

of

PV

perm.

Finaf

19.

40

.s00

I
80

10
a
<
:
a
~
3
:

70
$0

.60
40
so

Zo

10

2
1

1
o

20

40

$0

80

Days

of

Brine

100

m
O

120

.10

ZO

Dag8

Fig.

4-Effect

32

with

of brine
100

ppm

Injection
Cr(l[l)/2

on
,000

After

40

60

60

70

80

90

Brine

fujection

Began

of

perm.

100

?njection
Pinal

Ireated

ZO

permeabllify
ppm

xonthan

cd a .iandpack
gel.

Fig. 5Eff&mf
11

treated

with

of brbie
150

perm.=

2%

injection

on

ppm

C~l10/2,000

SPE

Reservoir

initial

permeabllky
PPm

of Sandpack
xanthan

Engineering,

9el.

February

1992

TABLE

450/1

02

of

Gales10

+45

0.8

0.02

4127

SP5

35

4,s00

0.04

42/66

-18

Eggort14

SP7

50

3.700

0.05

31/40

-35

Eggert

and

Gales

SP3

50

4;400

0.5

-35

,Eggefl

and

Gales

50

1,670

1.4

0.01
0.0s

7/55

SP9

12/19

-35

~ Eggert

and

Gales

SP8

75

4,600

0.5

0.01

-48

Egge~

and

Gales

SPI

loo

6,800

11

0.1

-62

Eggert

and

Gales

SP2

100

3,900

11

0.3

-62

Eggerf

aid

Gales

1?

4,800

-71

Eggeti

and

Gales

150

4,200

90

2.1

-70

Eggerl

and

Gales

200

3;s00

100

2.6

-88

Eggert

and

Gales.

gels

contdmd

behavior
that

The

This

swelled

at pH=~.

Fig.

as a function

injection,

about

ponentially

lead

to further

that

swells

time,

by tie

was

in permeabifiV.

not

long-term

with

md md

increased

to about

run using

30 ppm

test

was

that

system,

a stable

losing

the initial

brine

2 md after
Cr(fIl)

of its
of

permeabil-

43 PV of brine

in a 4,900-md

sand-

increa&d
injected

Fig.

5 shows

upon

aging.

Brine

9 days

Fig.

data

6 presents

Brine

or synerese
response

gel solutions

when
was

contamm

200

exposed

obsewed

to brine
in four

g 50 to 125 ppm

ppm

Cr(fff),

Pre-Gel
10*

C@Ii).

2,000

Penn.

at PH=5.

sandpacks

bdnepennea-

ppm

xa.nflmn

3,800

m+d

The

with

l%g. 4 shows

from

with

remained
Then
237

permeability

0.S

treated

permmldlily

treated

of injection.

a 100betweti

the permeaPV

of brine

data are found

end

tem,

in Ref.

treated

fncreases

days,

1,004

PV

is simik

sandpacks

reached

in perrmabiity

200

ppm

dme

to about

were

dower

detected

Tbe

lIM
II&I

initial

part
gel
of

in the 25-pprn
when

system.

1.

Cr(131).

25-ppm-Cr(Itfl
um pmabifity

a maxim

were

reach-

of leveling.

with

inj.x.ted).

the 2C@pm

with time,

70 %

with

to the

to be continuing

with

of about

no sign

no iirtherchanges

in com-mt,

S50

treated

exponentially

and appeared

wa3 terminated.

linearly

and showed

response

treated

syneresis

increased

which

(52

of sandpacks

gel exhibited

of injection

after
run

however,

response

This

increased

of the permeability
100 md.

meated

Other

varied

at 11 md after

for a sandpack

permea.btily

in that both

swell

Gales

A sandpack

perme&iMy

20 days

permeabfity

ing 90 md after

correlation
A similar

results.

the permeability

of the

should

Cr(fII)

for a sandpack

leveling

gel solution.

the

gel system

ppm

injection.

The brine

in 116 &ys.

pack had an initiaf brine permeability

of 0.4 md that increased
to
0,3 md afpr 27 days of brine injection
(4 PV). According
to the
2, the 30-ppm

similar

steadily,

40 &ys,

data in Fig.

gave

bi-ime iniecdon

md over

of swelling

and

14:

gel

treatment

Cr(Ifi)

geisolution:

a 150-ppm

13%

After

witl50
of brine

1.0 and 2.2 md for the fist

when

woufd

treated
55 days

during

ppm-Cr(IIf)
bility

of brine

during

with 75 ppm

ex-

the

md

histories

increased

reduction.

began.

sandpack
A sigdkw

md

syneresis,

ity was
injection.

this

brine

It appeam

a 4,800-md
1.3

of continuous

permeability

displacement

in
3%

sand-

icjecdon

gel underwent
brine

with

of a sandpack

to 0.5

of the treated

of 100

that&her

bifity

system

to be stable

Permeability

a value

increase

time

8/40
237/1 i 6
200/104
7/21
50/9
1004/52

0.02

injection
gel

contacted

the 102 &ys

injected.

thought
yield

it was

permeabilities

During

brine

the only

considered

when

3 shows

reaching

It w

will

long-term
gel was

and

PV were

35-ppm-Cr(llT)

volume

under

45%

of time.
450

with

was terminated.

systems

swefling

Gales

Xatian.

mm

25-ppm-Cr@Q

exhibited

tests.

KCI brine

2,000

of t$e$e

unexpected.

studied

not

Source

Swelling Data

4,900

.All

The

2.5

98

Gel

J&

(PV/days)

(%)

3,900

SP6

pack

Flushed

Regained.

(red)

_.

Swelling
of Bulk

Brine

30

SPI

bottle

Pregel
Permeabiiii

25

SP12

The

Final

Postgel

EXPERIMENT

sPlo

SP4

was

(red)

(ppm)

SRINE-FLUSH

Permeability

Permeability

Concentration
..

FROM

P~gel

Cr(lll)

Experiment

3RESULTS

sys-

the experiment
appears

to have

7.0

E.

325
6.0

10

E,

!=.
2%
10

r,

(
5.0

!
{

8
s
5

4.0

125

10-
0

20

40

80

So

Days

of

Brine

100

S.o

10

Pinaf

perm.

fnjected
=

at

3.0%

of

52

6Effect

6 trsafed

SPE

Reservoir

of brine

with

200

Er&mriw,

inlectionoit

ppm

pre-gel

permeability

Cr(Ill)/2,000

Fdnwy

25

SO

35

40

1992

ppm

After

f@e

fnjection

Began

Days
perm.
Fig.

Fig.

20

Injection
DVS

PV

1,004

1S

100

of Sandpack

xanthan

gel.

of brine

7Effecf

1 (S,800
gel.

md)

treated

PH on the

with

100

ppm

permeability
Cr(lll)/2,000

of Sandpack
ppm

xanthan

33

flocded

$.

d
z
v

=Bulk

.g

to an ROS

0..9

au

as well

as the

gel

not

but

two

fti

sandpack

?,000

ppnl

XWlthan

The

sandpack

Residual

tie

32%

sis made

0.6

treated

R(X.,

then

tlmt albws

on displacement

% of the

to have
The

gels

gek

in measurements

(bag)

ef-

tcmain?

50-ppm+r(TIf

volume

inlet

original

no measurable

81ese 50-ppm-Cr@Il

reduction.

to 37 % of their

with

sandpack,

a 50-ppm-Cr(13fl

<0.1

ap-

treated

This

with

regained

oil thus

permeability

between

was

gel solution.

sandpack
.a

on the mechanism

tin

gels

other

containing

Pmrneabtiiw.

Gel

. Gell.d

of 20%.

a 50-ppm-Cr(III)/2,000-ppm-xantban

Lo

lost

of synere-

samples.

%.
g

.
.

0.4

Effect

of PH on Gefled

packs

were

mwbii
was

0..2

and

was

25

60

0.0

time
I

76

100:126

150

175

200

before

Fig.

chaoge

is increased
Fig. 8Fractional
mt

analysis

conversion

of

of

brine-flush

Cr(lll)

durlrig

gelation

was

creased

changes

ever,
the

brine

initi~

bility

permeability

and

represm&

significant

permea-

on bulk

ldlCtiOU.

Table
dlthe

3 summarizes

results

szel dimktcements

mer ia~o.
Cr(flI)

l&

was

arranged

lowest

Cr(JfI)

concentqtions,

maintaining

in bottle

,. ~m-Cr(lIO
pack.
cial

in

brings

into

may

Prhaps

in the

~ve

been

incomplete

(45%

volume

weaker

that

150- and

gel mh+atiori

ext~sive

is benefigelled

syoeresis

of the sandpack

sandor

by ~lymer

mium

from

nine

concentrations

eresis,

and

to

confirmed

has

correlation

~ttfe

homogeneous
tion

and

fhree

reasons

eresis

undergoing
served

synertiis

in bottle

a gel that
throats.
evidence

potential

from

direction

of

to ?.4

md.

mains

after

stable

bi bottle

triiute
fhe
reduction
sandpacks
Ransas
34

flow

tests

to plugging
effect

of

was

the
&

a residd
fully

crude

sandpack
saturated
to residual

itself

in pore

is supported

inlet

outlet

When

and

ffow

Of ~e

gel

by

for brine

treated

7.5 to 28.0

the

to be smonger

ofi

with

plugging

from

,not undergo

as ob-

effectively

the permeability

StIUCm

of a porow

in a gelled
sweet

reversed.

to which

the gel from

of a sandpack

increased

appears
and

the

was
with

also
brine,

water

or tie

under

was

the

shown

same
in Fig.

gel samples,
over

in permeability
change
observed
swelling
data

of the permeabm

effectively

better

at constant

change

was

treated
sampks.

a range

of

Of PH=3

bfie
do not

of permeahifity

of 3,700-

tO

accurately

rw+uction

to 8,800-md

pregel

in

permea-

with

gels

that

lost up to 71 % of their

Gels

that

lost

volume

the gel that was

and

appeared

gel

PH over

wi~

measurements

than

ter gel swelled

of a weaker

brine

persistence

Sandpacks

stabIe

to wash

were

found

~ bOMe.tes~.

to

Ttis

out of the sandpack

~t-

because

structure.

ment

of Cr(3Tfl

tit

r~

tixat me
may

COD-.

One

sandpacks

was

structure
measurement
ante

performed

in porous

was

verted)

then

API
water-

to gain

media.

fn the

of brine
abetter

Cr(l19

to calculate.

the fraciion

in the gelled
data

sandpacks.

and

Sandpack.

flushed

values

8 shows
by

of the gel

a130wed

accurate

A material

of Cr(IIf)

Fig.

the =11~

understanding

concentration.

measured

Me?.sure-

~ough

AA spectmphotometry

of the efiluent
used

conversion

fractional

Gales

bal-

crOsslinkeA(cOnchromium

et al. 10 on bulk

gels.
8 shows

xanthan.
the

gel

and

trend

of lower

CrfJII)/xanti
er al.

with the
in Gafes

the

efilcieucy

ratios.

sandpack

used

measured

@libmti
can be seen

mixed

a general

Gales

had

never

that

cmsslinkd

a semipermeable
Cr(llI)

of Cr(tU)

R was assumed

with

membrane

concentration

sample.
Both methods
et al measurements

conCr~
the

to contain

of brine

thti

bad

bad some scatter,

as
at 50 PPm Cr(D3) and

ppm.xantban.

BotJI

of the

Retention

of Crl,131) in the eftluent

out of the gekd

with31
and

level

flushed

was
from

On pe~~bfity

oilflooded

saturation,

15%

ad?

to 105% swelling

The trend
with the

syneresis

at higher

in gels

investigated.

bti-gel

in bull-gel

2,000
(ROS)

that

Fig.

medi~.
samr~On

PH=5

in the. run

159$ synere.sis

with

version

direction

This

to 7.

a PH of 3 to 7. Bulk

as w.41 as flus~g

md when

ne*Ork

syneresis.

flushing

with

decreased

than

data

PH =3

and syneresed

betw~n
permeabtity

but the magmifide

Determination
syn-

manner

plugged

Permeability

direction,

Fi@Y,

syneresis

same

from

how-

syneresis
with

at PH=5

17%

from

change,

brines

in

the re~t?

concen-

area

keep

if the gel implants

in which

was

to the original

surface

in the

of porethmat

gel solution

Cr(llI)

syneresis.

may

maybe

symresis
role

interchanged.

a 100-ppm-Cr(lJJ

28.0,

media

a s~dpack

wem

returned

Porous

in

reduc-

went

cxq,

the

perform

48%

trends

tiom

swellingand

in volume

in the brine

Permeability
The

expected

PH

Treat-

pH and d+

the

short-lived.

with

decreased

ppm

media.

samples

swelled

change

from

were

flushed

when

expected.

pemus
biliw

gels

from

of PH change.
was consistent

gels,

predict

volume

of gels that undergo

medk

medii

syn-

reduction

with

in the

in porous

in porous

tests.

gels

stability

difference

has undergone
The

flushing

The

exposed

in botOe

to125

(pregel

pe~eabtity

underwent

for the long-term

ire

the best
for

which

gels

permeabiWy

fact,

obshed

ppm,

proposed.

solutions

the

were

of 35 to 125

O% to 62%

band,

than

Results
30

been

pH was raised

the same range

in the sandpacks

7, show

of chro-

permeabilides

of Cr(I12)

Mng-term

media.

the pmge

Cr(711),

sandpack

stability

with

porous

covering

25 to 125 ppm

8,800-md
that

persistence.

trations

sandpacks

from

2,430-

treatment)

gel

gelled

tie

of

of the permeabili~

had

63%

were

inferred

swe~

at lower

Some

any

as the pH of the

PH is decreased.

magnimde

Permeabtity
brine

for the bulk

retention.
Results,

7 when

when

with

that

variation.

GIs

to those

in the changes

smaller

(71%)

caused

The

on the other

25-

permeabtity

200-ppm-Cr(IU)

of

increase

out of the sand-

The

tests,

at PH=3.
conditions.

in

gel in,the

gel swelling

reduction.

a redt

effective

that

of time

to
PH

sandpack

ensuring

of pH

syneresis

however,

less than

Inbtd!+gel
reflected

highest

less

the gel to wash

the idea

penneabfity

observed

packs

to cause

idtbe

were

swelling

for

Cr(131)/p01y-

25 ppm,

and the resulting

question

tests

increasing

2043 ppm,

reduction.

maintaining

increases

and

samplesj

gel appeared

This

inorderof

&ncention,

150

permeability

seen

of permeabtity-persistence

gels

a result

PH.

back

effluent

the entire

brine,

function..

higher

constant.

then

did not change

correspond

et al. lo The

was much

TIws,

increa.sdpermeabilhy

and decreases,

of Gales

PH.

as a function

at

held

until

Permeability

as a step

toward

exhiihed

pmidliv

injected

was

concentration

were

wti

~d-

pH on per-

to 4 to 3 knd

of the injicied

changed

permeabxty

increases

PH.

observed

and tend

ed $mdpach

based

effluent.

PH=5

brine

permeablily

brine

variables

the injected

pH adjumnent

7 shows

injected

cases,

at the injected

permeability

ppm

Cr(ifI) C0n6.,

from

the brine

Tiwchmmiurn

AH other

varied

reached

was stabilized
~

fWO ~t~

of w?rying

flocding.

tests.

7. In most

measurements

the effect

ptgeladon

in both

brine

PH=5

Sandpa&.P~*&.

to study

during
100 ppm

frjected

used

Gales
with

Therefore,
maintaining

et af. and
2,0~

ppm

the mesent
xank

the Cr(Dl)/xanti
permeability

study
does

ratios
reduction
SFE

show

that

n{~ read

fith

recommended
in sandpadcs

Reservoir

mw@ering.

~
fie

tie

Cr@)

POIYIWX.

as effective
donot

in

represent

Febmaxy

1992.

the

actual

number

of

chromium

atoms

cross finked

in

the

gel

smucture.
Dispersion
gelled

Experiments.

randpacks

breakthrough

of the

breakthrou~

Qf

PV indicmes

throats.

the

3.2%

brine

Alternatively,

irjected

KC1

most

of the pore

lost

there

solution

and

ffaction

may he partly

gel

volume

most

of

solvent

total

space.

Effluent
mcuned

:=.
<.:
.=

to

mixing

plug

between

trapped

in the

gel

Conclusions

Imericasj

1. Gels

exfdliting

con.soli&ted
samples,

which

found

as bufk

permeability

syneresis

ious

pHs.

than

on gelkd

a different

and

increased

reduction

pH

gels

hat

sandpack

was

exhibhsd

fields

in un-

S and

MS

Bnsas.

G.

Paul

WN1hfte

: Chemlcsl

and

Petroleum

wtlaty

Oil

Recovery

inferred

observed

8s bulk

permeability

from

in bufk-gel

degrees

lwr%nqe

a brine

the large

Id

swelling

measurements

Dept.

conversion

solution

ranged

Cr(IfI)

reacted

at

preseme

The

reduction

6. Sfability

30%

the

lower

the

62%,

Cr(lTI)

with

contained

a higher

Cr(IfI)/xanthan

ti

udent

of

effect

mm

tests

is a pcor

properties

predictor

of long-term

of Cr(D3)/xantbmi

per-

I Recovefy,

gefs in saodpadrs.

lering

Tfds

was

suppatd

#AC19g5BC10B43
of

part

in

and the Tertiary

by

U.S.

Oif Recovery

DOE

Project

from

KS.:

s~~ium.
Huq,

of the fn-situ

in Porous

I.E.

Control

4.

Oti

26,

1979)

fNov.

in Irjection

D. D.,

Citrate Recess
Fii

5. AM.,

the

M.K.

SPE/130E

173g3

Ofl Recovery

Field

and

Xamas,

R-w.,

L&rence

U.

Expwience

Oil

Awry,

(April

2S-

Lawrenm

Omen,
Independent

G.P.

12.

Media

Springfl?ld,

XantAan

NY (1953)
Resrvoir

Enhanced

Willhhe,

, and

in ActtM
at the

Oif

(Feb.

G.P.:
JPT

14.

Oil

Principles
Chaps.

profile

Egimaing,

on

of the

was

the

from
engi.

chemkxd

Member,
Award

1988-87

Educstion

and

N in

Accredl1981,

Pmfesdona[ism

Program
01[

for

Dkdtn.

and

chairing

Educstlon

Enhanced

engineering
in

Achievement
and

he

Reseftfch

and
corn.

committee

the

for

RecoveW.

PUIklpk,

Watis!ical

Poly.

M.

Thermc@mmics
(1962)

3P,

and Sumrmm,

J.D.

L.E.

:, Polywrylandde

~fle
Modification?
paw
Snbanced
01
Recnverv

Egg@,

R.W.Z

Ex@merd.at

04s

in Porous

of Swollen

Gel

SPE 17331
Swncosium.

J&siig&ion
M-

Polymer

Nti-

191.

MS

oftbe

thesis,

8yst.qns

for

pmseotedat
tk
19S8
Tuka.
Amil
17-20.
S&J.&of

U. ofXmas,

Xan-

Lawm.m,

Ks (1$90).
15.

15-1S.

paper

J.G.:~

G~es.
erdes

~ti.mti

of Xantban

librium

Inv=dsation
Gels by Swdting

Gum-cm

Dbfysis;

MS

tiesis,

U.

of

of the Long-Term
Measurem
cut and

&nsas,

L?.wreace,

X8

prop.
Equi-

(1987).

SPE
Sym-

DQE,

Tmrcducing

fDec.

S1

Metric

Conversion

MI.

11,

1344-50.

Factors

M.A.

: C<Use

141.5/(131.5+

bbl
of

Cp

1.5S9

1.0*

E03

3.048*

E-01

ft x

On Peimleurn

F
of Reducing
llml

Technical

in.

Pmwbili~
report,

cam-act

Jnfmmadm

,Wv.

API)
f+ol

Pmspwts;,

Meeting

llcalmerm,
Natt.

API

EOR

19S9)

Mcdi6cadon

SPE

17-20.
of M&&

873

(F32)/l.8
X

2.54*

md

9.S69

233

E+IM
Ew

psi

6.S94

757

E+CO

~m3

Pas

=
=

cm
~2

kpa

1986).

Recovery

Symposium,

ofPoiynw
9,

1984

Reswerj

GruemafeldeI,

19S6

Polymer

U.S.

Enhanced
P.s.:

1.1.:
J.

f@=60Q
SPEIDOE

Cordormance-

Technology,s.

J.R. et al.: Equilibrium

.%vdling and 8ynemis
Gum-Cq3E)
Gels,> paWr SPE 17328 p~mtd

SPB/DOE
=lory,

Gels

VA

and

L.A.

by fn Sim

ice,

H,
vmrks.,,

by

the

April

of a New

Gel

Operators,,

B@%.
M~h
et aL : Evaluation

DOE/BC/10354-16,

Gales,

D, W.,

presented

No.

T&a,

Testing

SPEIDOE

, ~rkbO]der,

14114

in Pomu.s

198s

to

Xanthan

SPE

Field

at

on

PIWously,

Production

1978-S2,

a membrw

Dis.

Snglneettng

for
Ter-

Diversion

presented

the

Engi-

A D18tinguished

Faculty

An-

Petroleum

degfees

Oklahoma.

1986
Enhanced

Conger-Gabel

Kansas.

Dltilngulshed

served

the

1988

17-20.

L. G.,

M.R.

fi-fig.
Willhhe,

April

Flw.iwater

12642

Symposium,

T. B.:

at the

T&?,

Sclmding,

WitJ
SPE

Recovay

Smih,

was

Symposium

PhD

He

and

on

Petroleum

of

SPE
served

2S2.

Tbkd

of Km!sas,

He

on

for

In petroleum

and

during

serves

O!a@JCr(IIO

Chmmium@IJ

prewnted

Cmmli@led

SPE

of

A2MK,
Tcdrmlofl

Wefls,?

Cmfefeme,

paper

Enhanced

Technology

11.

Trans.,
Polymer

13.

et al.:

R.D.

posium,

10.

90

of

He

Oommittee

ttee.

Ex@nmtal

J. H.,

Jmpmvement-Treatment

9.

An

583-%

GeUed

U.

Biopolymer,

Sydamk,

pv

D.W.,

U.

U.

and

1885

on

Conocos

degree

MS

1S83

Lecturer.

:Ion

and 20~es,
D.R.: sUse of Atuminum
in. the Commemial
North Burbank Unit polymer Flc.d;,
Hedges,

Tertiary

Complexed

S.

Ished

p+m
Recovuy

(+3)lP01yaayLmd& Polymer

production

Conference,

Gil

9-10, 1983) 111-30.

(h&arch

7.

Gmm,

31L

and

Pm6fes,,,

Enhanced

sf

Englnewlng

rrently

19S6)

P.D.

fnjecdon

5S-70,

Binning,

Pmt.,

6.

SPERS

Recvvery

Mcdify

SPS/DOE

of CJmndmn

and Ftaning,

of Water

dary

To

1988

Gelation

Media,,,

Hessert,

of Gels
at the

Ttdsa,
APriI
17-20.
Willhhe,
G. P., and

C-G,,

NY

3.

Waixrnau
presented

at the

a t38
and

the

~roleum

TORP

the

Is the

and

C.

Awsfd

of Ksnsa6

symposium

of Chemical

Lester

Committee.

for

Qrom

SPE

of the

-S4

U.

chemics

1986

U.

1981

in

Stsfe

In

aothor

was

Colloquium

W.

of the

Achievement
He

Kansas

Iowa

the

committees

1991

U.

Petroleum

both

and

during

SPS/DOE

engineer

Tulss

fmm

Accredltaflon

pmgrsm

Don

of

received

2.

the

holds

of

wing

17332

and

a research

e U.

Rafererrce%

SPE

19SS

Professor

v. Green

at the U.

Kansas.

1. 8wight,

on

the

of

and

fecrdved

Faculty.

and

U.

U.,

committees

and

Id codkector

research

degree

sponsor

steering

Education.

lguished
Acknowfedgmenfs

a SS

hold:

the

codbecfor

the

Distinguished

Education

Meeting,

Chemlcsl

Member

19S1

faculty

on

the

He

Pmfessa

Fomey

and

Nmlhwestem

Engineering

Series

Ial

holds

from

H.

st

WOlhlte

the

19S2-85

Ross

~ORP)

chairs

from

and

so served

on psrrneability

He

Chapter

I the

ratios.

bad a negligible

also

ehglneer

Okfahoma.

Engineering

Waterfloodhg,

r Petroleum

fraction

sandpack.

in bottle

reduction

of

to

of an ROS

of a gelled

meabfity

(uptake)

from

18 the

A Distinguished

xtbook
@n Award

4. Fractional

he

in reservoir

and

engineering

Project

degree

@neerlng.

at var-

Kansas,

in petroleum

where

a PhD

Green

[s Invoyved

In Arksnsas,

lgineerlng

of injecting

in Houston,

g for

syneresis.

pe.-meabiity

less than

increases

in maintaining

inc.

were

samples

up to 45 % in volume

to be less effective

in sandpaoks

3. The effect

5.

in maintaining

gels,

were

reduction

the

syneresis

sandpackr.

2. Swelfing

gel

up to 71%

to be effective

with

Willhlte

Eggeft

strucN13.

shown

.,

.,,*.
-,

of pixkets

continued

was

The

the

mixing
a result

yet

likely

original

in the
showed

PV injected.

a low

that substandaf

The mixing
tie

<x.

such

cxcupied

where

conducted

gel solutions

KC1 at

at

also indicated

the randpacks.
brine

expwiments

125-ppm-Cr(331J

injected

injected

pmtik

of original
pore

30- and

that the gels

~mntmtioll
in both

Dk~rsion

with

and

Chemfmy,
13.

February

Tulsa,
Cnrndl

R.perdw
at the
April

of

17-20.

u. Press, lb,

fadcf

mmu%mpt

MA

SPE

2?, 1691. RwIwJ

Pr--mted
1!2 m.

1%2

WERE

,,,

1, exact,

-Cunimlon
Origlnd

19SS
recaiwd
mnuwdpt

at th. 7989 SPE Amud

e-l

formviw

Oct. 9, !989,

redvec
TechntcaI

m
Cm

Paper rme9ped

11, isul.
femce

am

Paw

Ex.Mbhlm

for putdk$.ti.an

(SPE
held

196!0)

firsi

In San Amc-

1.

35

WE 19630
TAnLBl
SWRIAXYOF GELS STUDIED IN SANDPACKTESTS

Xanthanconcentration
2000 ppm in 3% KC1
Cr(III)
ppra

Type of Test

25
30
35
50
50
50
75
100
100
125
150
200

Persistence
Persistence
Persistence
Persistence
Persistenceand reproducibility
Persistenceat
residualoilsaturat
ion
Persistence
Persistenceand effectof brine pH
Persistenceand effectof brinepH
Persistence
Persistence
Persistence

TABIS2
PROPERTIES
SUUARYoF IWilOUSllEIMA

Brine
Perm.
(red)

Porosity

3900
4900
4800
3700
4400
4100/1670at Sor
4600
3900
8800
4800
4200
3800

0.35
0.37
0,36
0.32
0.35
0.34
0635
0.36
0.36
0.38
0.35
0.33

Sandpacks:

Note: All sandpackswere stabilizedat pH = 5.0 prior to

gel injection.
44

:,

SPE

19630

Jl!AlU3
RESULISFRan MIUNU FLU8H ~
Final
PostCr(III) Pre-gel Gel
Perm.
Experiment Cone. Perm.
(red)
Number
(red)
(ppm)
SP4

25

3900

sPlo
a

30

4900

SP5

35

Brine
% of
Swelling
Pre-gel
PV
z of
Flushed
Bulk
Perm.
Regained (No.Days) Gel
2.5

98
0.8

450
(102)

Gales

0% Gales

0.02
(2$)

4800

0.04
(::)

SP7

+45%

50

3700

0.05

-18% WE&
Gales
-35%

(::)
SP3
SP9

50
50

4400
1670

P0.5

0.01

1.4

0.08

(5;)

-35% RE&
Gales
-35X

(;;)
SP8

75

4600

O*5

0.01
(4:)

-48% M?liic
Gales

SP1

100

8800

11

0.1

237
(116)

-62% WBti
Gales

SP2

100

3900

11

0.3

200
(104)

-62% mdE&
Gales

SP12

125

4800

(2:)

-71% m&
Gales

0.02

SP11

150

4200

90

2.1

50
(9)

-70% RdE&
Gales

SP6

200

3800

100

2.6

1004
(52)

-68% W/E&
Gales

48

: -~

~=
-.

WE 19630

~Gel
Solution
Ptmtie

Prmmsro

7rmmdtreor

,. ,,

Pump

Bag

Constant
Temp.
Bath
(25 c)

Sandpack
.

Ill

Gelled
Sandpac~

Temp.
Bath
(2s c)

b:

! Effluent
fjJ- collector

Gel
idEffluent
Solution Sample
1:
Figure

Figure2

Expcrirncntelpparatusfor saturationof the sandpactr

with gcl solution.

~~:t:l

apparatus for bng term brine ~

bbl/day/f&

bbI/d~/ft

injoctiori

A15 bbl/day/ft
t 85 bbl/d~y/fl

20 l-\

CAMS DATA

-1

!3 100

!
0
o

80

40

60

80

100

-80

Dirstanoe From Wellbore Axie (ft)

-1oo
O

Vitcosity= 1. CP
Wellbore Radiua= 0.333 ft.
Permeability of Gel-Treated Zone= 10 xnd
Figure 3:

Pressure gradient in the vicinity of an hsjcctionWCII at

various injection ratcso

86

60

76

100 MM 160 176 200

Cr(III) Initially Charged, ppm

Figuro 4

Results of equilibrium swcllirrg mcasurcmcrsts on

Cr(IIl)/xanthan gels, 2000 ppm xanthan.

SPE19630

10

5
a

10I

LLL_L_-.J.--l

,f)-,

20

40

60

o~

80

100

120

ZO

Days of Brine Injection

450 PV Injected at 102 Days
Final perm. = 2.5% of pre-gel perm.
Fgurc S

Final

FigaroG

Effect of brine injection on pcrnrcabili~ of Sandpack

4 treated with 2S ppm Cr(lII)/21XK) ppm xanthan gel.

90

I-T

do

100

120

216 PV Injected at 109 Days

perm. = 0.27% of pre-gel perm.

Effect of brine injection on pcrrncability of a atmdpack

treated with WI ppm Cr(llI)/ZXlf) ppm xanthan gel.

10-
0
10

20

90

Days After

40

50

Brine

60

70

Injection

80

90

100

20

40

60

80

100

Day, of Brine Injection

Began
1,004 PV

Final perm.=
Figure 7

60

o~
o

40

Daya of Brine Injection

22 of initial perm,

Injected

at

Daye

Final perm. = 3,0% of pre-gel

Figure 8

Effect Of brine injection on permeability of Sandpack

11 treated with 150 ppm Cr(lll)/2000 ppm xanthan gel.

41

perm,

IYfcct of brine injcctiop on permeability of Sandpack

6 treated with 200 ppm Cr(llf)/2fM0 ppm xanthan gel.

sPE 19630

0 ~
826

f 25

/1

100

I 9.0

5fOf5~OZ690S40

Days hfter Brine Injeation Began

EfYcct of brine pH on the pcrntcabilith of Sandpack
I (8800 md) treated with 100 ppm Cr(llWJ@
PPm
xanthan gel.

Figure 9:

,g

0.6

Bulk Oat
riottod Baadpaok

all MOO ppm Xaathm

gels

P-l
9,

100
0

10

Day8

Figure 10

16

86

90

96

40

After Brine Injection

9.0

Began

Effect of b.+c pH on the pcrmcabilitics of Sandpack

2 (3900 md) treated with 100 ppm W19~
PPm
xanthsmgel,

S6

60

76

MS

160

176

SO

Cr(lU) Cone,, ppm

Figure 11: Fractional convcmion of Cr(llI) during gefatfon based
on analysisof brlnc flushing offluont.