APPLICATION OF VISCOELASTIC SYSTEMS IN OIL PRODUCTION INTENSIFICATION PROCESSES

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of viscoelastic behavior and the use of viscoelastic fluids (VBLs) in various oil production intensification processes. The first part provides basic models describing viscoelastic behavior and corresponding equations of state. Describes the method of testing under the action of harmonic vibrations (method of dynamic tests), possible options for its implementation and the determined rheological properties of the viscoelastic sample. To interpret the results of dynamic tests, a complex module is most often introduced, which consists of two components — the elastic modulus (G’) and the loss modulus (G’’). These dynamic modules and their relationship describe the behavior of the viscoelastic sample. It is shown that with respect to modules, it is possible to conclude on the type of sample - viscoelastic liquid or viscoelastic body. It is also noted that dynamic tests should be carried out in the area of low amplitudes of oscillating loads, in which the rheological properties do not depend on the applied stress or strain. The second part provides examples of viscoelastic systems used in operations such as water flow isolation, hydraulic fracturing, and modified acid treatments. The most common viscoelastic systems used in various technologies are solutions of surfactants and polymers of different structures. It is noted that in order to obtain a viscoelastic gel, polymer solutions are used with a crosslinker, while the rheological properties of surfactant solutions are controlled by external factors — pH, temperature, water mineralization. Viscoelastic surfactant solutions have an advantage over polymer solutions ‑ they are able to recover their properties after mechanical or thermal exposure due to the formation of supramolecular structures as a result of selforganization of surfactant molecules. The surfactant-based HLT property of reversibly collapsing and recovering is used, in particular, to reduce pressure losses to overcome friction. In flow-deflecting acid compositions, viscoelastic surfactants are mainly used, the most common of which are given in the second part of the article.