Performance of Conformance Gels Under Harsh Conditions

Abstract

Abstract Permeability reduction provided by conventional polymer gels is affected by harsh reservoir conditions. Harsh conditions are defined by high temperature (> 75°C), high salinity, high divalent ions and the presence of H2S. Polymer gels undergo syneresis when exposed to high salinity and hardness reservoir brines. We evaluated conventional polyacrylamide-based polymer (HPAM)-gels and other modified HPAM-gels with molecular weights between 2-20MM Daltons for gelation time and long-term gel stability under harsh conditions. In addition to polymer degradation, the cross-linkers are also sensitive to harsh reservoir conditions. Specifically, H2S can consume cross-linkers and inhibit gelation. The cross-linkers tested were Chromium (III) Acetate and Chevron Unogel formulation consisting of a combination of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and hydroquinone (HQ). High performing gels were tested for sensitivity to high salinity brines and H2S in a limited number of experiments. The gels were observed for gel strength, and syneresis with time. The goal of our work was to identify a combination of polymer and cross-linker that would provide effective conformance under harsh conditions. Sulfonated polyacrylamide (ATBS) polymers were found to provide better resistance to high salinity/hardness brines than partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamides in high temperature conditions. The addition of hydrophobic groups to the sulfonated-acrylamide backbone does not increase the hardness tolerance of the polymer. Higher concentration, low molecular weight sulfonated polymers are recommended for use at high temperature and salinity. Polymer gels made with 2MM Dalton polymer show less syneresis with time compared to higher molecular weight polymer at the same polymer concentration. HMTA/HQ ATBS polymer gels are preferable to chromium (III) ATBS polymer gel for high temperature and salinity conditions. Chromium (III) ATBS polymer gels show more susceptibility to syneresis compared to organic crosslinked gels at same polymer concentration. HMTA/HQ crosslinker is ineffective in the presence of hydrogen sulfide. Gelants consisting of HMTA/HQ do not mature into rigid gels after 14 days of exposure to sour gas. Preformed HMTA/HQ gels lose strength upon exposure to sour crude. This is mostly due to HMTA ability as a sour gas/crude sweetener. Chromium (III) gels form weak gels in the presence of sour gas. Chromium competes with sulfide ions to produce insoluble chromium sulfide leading to consumption of crosslinker and poor gelation. Malonate and tartrate are effective gel retardants for chromium (III) polymer gels. Malonate is better at extending onset of gelation for longer periods of time. Tartrate is more effective for shorter gelation time at lower concentrations.