Characterization and modification of fluid conductivity in heterogeneous reservoirs to improve sweep efficiency. [Quarterly report], October 1--December 31, 1992
Foamed gels are used for fracturing oil-field reservoirs, stabilization of earthen formations, and plugging high-permeability streaks. Objective of work this quarter was to study one aspect of formation of foamed gel formed in a porous medium: change of foam texture and configuration of gelling phase during gelation. Etched glass micromodels were used to visualize generation and disproportionation of foamed gels; polyacrylamide gel and colloidal silica gel were used. Results show that foam injected into a porous medium will go disproportionation via gas bubble diffusion until equilibrium is achieved for disproportionation-dominated foams (one bubble per pore body, one lens per pore throat when pore body length/width ratio is small). Rapid formation of a gas impermeable gel (gelation dominated) and/or high aspect ratio pores will preserve foam texture. In a medium where pore body length/width ratio is close to 1 (sandstone, sintered pores, compacted soil), the disproportionation of foam will stop when the bubbles grow to the size of the pores or when the external phase of a gelation-dominated foam gels. For large pore body length/width ratio (fracture networks), the disproportionation is limited by the aspect ratio of fracture as well as the gelation of the external phase.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC22-89BC14474
- OSTI ID:
- 10147572
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/BC/14474-13; ON: DE93013152
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: [1992]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Characterization and modification of fluid conductivity in heterogeneous reservoirs to improve sweep efficiency. [Quarterly report], April 1--June 30, 1993
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