Permeable Zones Research Articles

Geomechanical modelling of ground surface deformation induced by CO2 injection at In Salah, Algeria: Three wells, three responses

This study investigates the ground surface deformation above three injection wells throughout CO2 injection between mid-2004 to early-2011 in the In Salah CO2 storage project at Krechba, Algeria. A coupled three-dimensional finite element model of three wells (KB501, KB502, and KB503) was developed. The model accounts for the CO2 diffusion in the reservoir and structural features including permeable fractures and faults, as well as the poroelastic deformation of the reservoir and overburden layers which result in the ground surface deformations during CO2 injection. The character of the ground surface deformation above each injection well was different, suggesting a different CO2 plume shape in the subsurface. An ellipse-shaped heave above KB501 indicates that the CO2 plume shape followed the anisotropic permeability in the reservoir, KB502’s double-lobe surface heave pattern is associated with the activation and pressurization of a vertical fault and finally, the elongated surface uplift pattern above KB503 is linked to the presence of permeable fractured zone in vicinity of the well, as indicated by seismic surveys. The two distinctive structural features in the vicinity of KB502 and KB503 were included in the numerical model, accounting for a hydraulically conductive fault in the caprock and a fractured zone in the reservoir, respectively. The observed surface deformation was utilised to tune the orthotropic mechanical properties of the fault and the fractured zones. The simulation results are in good agreement with the measured InSAR data. In addition, assigning anisotropic permeability to the reservoir plays a significant role in successfully simulating surface uplift patterns.

Electrical Resistivity - Tomography Studies In Determining Shallow Aquifer Potential Zones a Case Study in Different Terrains

The study documents the effectiveness of 2 D (Two Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Survey (Tomography) to map shallow subsurface geological formations namely recent Alluvium, Gondwana deposits and hard rock deposits. 2 dimensional Electrical Resistivity Survey (or tomography) was conducted at 2 locations at Valarpuram and one location Madurantakam areas. Gondwana deposits mask Valarpuram Thandalam, villages (at Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu). To the east of Valarpuram alluvium thickness increases at shallow depths. Weathered and hard granitic gneiss and hard charnockite rocks overlie topsoil in Madurantakam areas (Chengalpettu District, Tamilandu). The survey was conducted to 12 m depth to decipher shallow permeable zones. Gondwana formations consisting of clays, siltstones are predominant in Valarpuram Thandalam and surrounding areas. Hard rock formations are found in Madurantakam areas. 2 Dimensional Resistivity Survey results indicate 2-D sections with very low resistivity values in the range of 2 to 4 ohm-m in Valarpuram Thandalam areas indicating predominant clay deposits with poor ground water potential. To the east of Valarpuram Thandalam resistivity data is of moderately higher value indicating sand deposits at shallow depths. These are ideal locations for dug wells. Low to moderate values at shallow depths indicating weathered thickness up to 12 m are observed at Madurantakam location. From 12m depth steep rise in resistivity values are observed in hard indicating presence of massive rock from 12m depth and below areas. Thus, 2 D Resistivity Imaging Technique are helpful in delineating shallow aquifer potential and this in turn helps in deciding the depth of open wells with high precision.

MODELS FOR THE FORMATION OF POLYPHASE GABBRO-MONZODIORITE MASSIFS OF THE WESTERN SANGILEN IN THE COLLISIONAL AND TRANSTENSIONAL-SHEAR SETTINGS

A model for the formation of intrusions of the collision stage of 525–490 Ma and a model of magmatism of the transtensional shear stage of 465–440 Ma within the Mugur-Chinchilig and Erzin-Naryn blocks of Western Sangilen (Tuva) have been developed to describe the process of crust-mantle interaction. Model experiments confirm petrological data on the presence of multi-level chambers during the formation of the Pravotarlashkinsky and Bashkymugur massifs. The proposed model describes the migration of mantle magmas above the head of the mantle plume at the collision stage and assumes the rise of magmas along a permeable tectonic zone in the mantle lithosphere and crust at the transtensional-shear stage. The modeling results allow us to establish that material from the magma chamber can reach depths of the upper crust in the volume ratio of gabbroids to diorites from 1 : 2 to 3 : 4 and additionally introduce about 5 % of the volume fraction of lower crustal material.The physical parameters of the primary magmas (viscosity, solidus and liquidus temperatures, degree of melting depending on temperature and composition, change in density) were calculated taking into account the real geochemical characteristics of igneous rocks from the polyphase massifs of Western Sangilen.

Novel Environmentally Responsive Polyvinyl Polyamine Hydrogels Capable of Phase Transformation with Temperature for Applications in Reservoir Profile Control.

Hydrogel has been widely used in reservoir regulation for enhancing oil recovery, however, this process can experience negative influences on the properties and effects of the hydrogels. Therefore, developing novel hydrogels with excellent environmental responsiveness would improve the formation adaptability of hydrogels. In this study, novel polyvinyl polyamine hydrogels were synthesized by a ring-opening addition reaction between polyvinyl polyamines and polyethylene glycol glycidyl ether. The results of atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the polyvinyl polyamine gel had a porous and irregular bulk structure and was endowed with water storage. With the temperature rising from 30 °C to 60 °C, the transmittance of diethylenetriamine hydrogel decreased from 84.3% to 18.8%, indicating that a phase transition had occurred. After the polyvinyl polyamine hydrogel with low initial viscosity was injected into the formation in the liquid phase, the increase of the reservoir temperature caused it to turn into an elastomer, thereby migrating to the depth of the reservoir and achieving effective plugging. Polyvinyl polyamine hydrogel could improve the profile of heterogeneous layers significantly by forcing subsequent fluids into the low permeability zone in the form of elastomers in the medium temperature reservoirs of 40-60 °C. The novel environmentally responsive polyvinyl polyamine hydrogels, capable of phase transformation with temperature, exhibited superior performance in recovering residual oil, which was beneficial for applications in reservoir profile control and oilfield development.

Along‐Strike Segmentation of Seismic Tremor and Its Relationship With the Hydraulic Structure of the Subduction Fault Zone

AbstractAlong the strike of subduction zones, tectonic tremor episodicity is segmented on a geologic scale. Here, we study how this segmentation reflects large‐scale variations of the structure and conditions of the fault interface where tremor is generated. We try to understand which properties of the hydraulic system of the fault allow elementary tremor sources to synchronize, leading to the emergence of long‐period, large‐scale episodic activity. We model tremor sources as being associated with rapid openings of low‐permeability valves in the fault zone, which channels the upward flow of metamorphic fluids. Valve openings cause pressure transients that allow interaction between sources. In such a system, tremor activity is thus controlled by unsteady fluid circulation. Using numerical simulations of fluid flow, we explore the impact of valve spatial distribution and fluid flux on the emergence of large‐scale patterns of tremor activity. We show that when valves are densely distributed and submitted to near‐critical input flux, they synchronize and generate more episodic activity. Based on our model, the most periodic and spatially coherent tremor bursts should thus be emitted from segments densely populated with valves, and therefore of lower permeability than less synchronized segments. The collective activity of their valve population is responsible for fluid‐pressure cycling at the subduction scale. In the tremor zone of Shikoku, Japan, the most temporally clustered segment coincides with a downgoing seamount chain, suggesting that the segmentation of the fault zone permeability, and hence of tremor activity, could be inherited from the topography of the subducting oceanic plate.

Characterization of Tight Gas Sandstone Properties Based on Rock Physical Modeling and Seismic Inversion Methods

Tight sandstones produce an increasing amount of natural gas worldwide. Apart from identifying the gas enrichment, the predictions of lithology and permeable zones are crucial for the prediction of tight gas sandstones. In the present study, a seismic inversion method is developed based on rock physical modeling, by which it is possible to directly predict the lithology and pore structure in tight formations. The double-porosity model is used as a modeling tool in considering complex pore structures. Based on the model, the microfracture porosity is then predicted using logging data, which are used as a factor to estimate microfractures. Parameters representing the lithology and pore structure are proposed and estimated using logging data analyses and rock physical modeling based on the framework of the Poisson impedance. Thereafter, a new AVO equation is established and extended to the form of an elastic impedance for a direct prediction of the lithology and pore structure parameters. Real data applications show that the indicators of lithology and permeable zones are consistent with the production status. They agree with the petrophysical properties measured in wellbores, thereby proving the applicability of the proposed method for the effective characterization of tight gas sandstones.

Entropy generation analysis in micropolar-couple stress fluid’s flow in an inclined porous channel using Homotopy Analysis Method

In this work, authors have presented the flow of the micropolar-couple stress fluids passage through an inclined channel. The inclined channel is occupied by the porous material. In the proposed problem, the channel is divided into two zones, zone-I contains the micropolar fluid and zone-II contains the couple stress fluid. The permeability of both zones is taken to be different and we have considered that the movement in the fluids occurs with the help of the constant pressure gradient. In this work, we have analysed the flow velocities, temperatures, and entropy generation when immiscible micropolar-couple stress fluids flow in an inclined channel filled with a porous medium. We have used the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) to solve the fundamental system of differential equations of the proposed problem. For both fluids, a graphic analysis is also done on the effects of various flow-affecting parameters, such as couple stress, micropolarity, inclination angle, viscous dissipation, etc., on the linear velocities, micropolar fluid’s microrotational velocity, temperatures, entropy generation, and Bejan numbers. The derived results are validated with the previously established results available in the literature. This work shows the effect of two polar fluids one containing microstructures (micropolar fluid) and another without microstructures (couple stress fluid) on the entropy generation. From the proposed work, it is found that in the flow of two polar fluids, the entropy production in the couple stress fluid flow region is smaller than that of the micropolar fluid flow region. The present model is useful in maintaining the entropy production to enhance the efficiency of electric devices such as, refrigerators, thermal engineering devices, heat regulatory devices, etc.

Gas-dynamic processes and causes of accidents at mines

Geodynamic phenomena that occur during the exploitation of a coal-bearing massif lead to human casualties, reduce the speed of penetration, and significantly complicate the operation of the mine.The article analyzes existing views on geodynamic processes occurring within mining fields located in coal-bearing formations. A safe technology for identifying potential outburst locations during coal mining is characterized. The technology has been tested during prospecting and environmental studies within the mining workings at active mines and abandoned mining fields. The results of profile and planar investigations in he areas exhibiting geodynamic outbursts in coal deposits and mines are presented.When sampling subsoil air using the technology of structural-thermo-atmospheric-hydrogeochemical research (STAHGS), which is carried out on the surface of the earth in profile and planar versions, the authors came to the conclusion about the possibility of predicting fault zones of increased permeability and zones of low fluid permeability. The first affect the rate of destruction of rocks under pressure, and in the second case, the possibility of gas emissions into the mine, which can be accompanied by an explosion and fire. Such zones are dangerous, because the most destructive events occur in places of collision. Early identification of places of geodynamic stress of rocks, fault zones of increased permeability, accumulation of gases – all this will allow to make a decision in advance about changing the conditions of conducting mining operations and degassing of the coal massif.In addition, the authors draw attention to hydrogen gas as one of the causes of initiation of explosions and fires during underground mining operations in mines, which is not taken into account at the current stage of safety control of mining operations. The possible cause of a hydrogen explosion is not taken into account in coal mine accidents. The appearance of hydrogen and helium in coal samples taken from the mine may indicate the deformation of the massif, which leads to the opening of cracks and the outflow of gas from deeper horizons. And then an increase in the concentration of hydrogen, not methane, creates the conditions for explosions and fires.

Numerical modelling of a large-diameter sealing structure in a deep radioactive waste repository

Numerical modelling of a large-diameter sealing structure in a deep radioactive waste repository

Influence of Soret and Radial Magnetic Field on Natural Convection of a Chemically Reactive Fluid in an Upright Porous Annulus

Mass fluxes produced by temperature gradients is known as the Soret or thermal-diffusion effect and this effect can be very crucial in the appearance of strong density difference in the flow premises. This article therefore explores the analytical solutions of natural convection of a chemical reacting fluid in the involvement of Soret and radial magnetic field in an annular upstanding permeable zone within concentric cylinders’ r = 1 and r = b. The non-linear formulated equations that govern the flow are resolved by a semi-analytical approach. The consequences of the numerous governing controlling parameters embedded in the formulated model is thoroughly described with the use of illustrative plots. It is noteworthy to report that raising the levels of Frank–Kamenetskii, sustentation, and thermo-diffusion parameters increases fluid velocity whereas reducing the radial magnetic field effect weakens the fluid flow. Additionally, it is significant to report that the sheer stress on the annular walls can be effectively regulated by applying appropriate values of magnetic number. In conclusion, the variations of the key parameters in this study can be used more effectively to control heat transfer and fluid flow using an annular geometry. This study can find relevance in geothermal power generation, drilling activities, space vehicles technology and nuclear power plants etc.

3D topological analysis in deformation bands: Insights for structural characterization and impact on permeability

This study uses a 3D exposure of a fault zone in the Rio do Peixe Basin (NE Brazil) to investigate the impact of deformation band connection on permeability in porous sandstones. We analyze the topological deformation band distribution pattern and in situ permeability measurements. The results show that more Y-nodes dominate the fault core, while the damage zone registers more Y- and X-nodes. The I-nodes are associated with the highest permeability values, while X-nodes have lower values close to the fault core. In the damage zone, permeability acquisition on segment intersections (nodes) varies according to the type of node and directions (horizontal and vertical) of measurements. The vertical section (horizontal permeability) shows maximum values for I-nodes and minimum for X-nodes, whereas the horizontal section (vertical permeability) exhibits higher permeabilities for I-nodes and the lowest for Y-nodes. Therefore, this study contributes with new perspectives on the influence of deformation band connections on the permeability of fault zones and has implications for the modeling and flow simulation of siliciclastic reservoirs with deformation bands in the damage zones.

Interaction and linkage of basin-boundary fault segments control deformation bands distribution and damage zone permeability

Analyzing the factors that affect the fault damage zone parameters and the impact of deformation on host rock permeability is fundamental for predicting the fluid flow behavior in subsurface reservoirs. This study combines 3D seismic data with field-based structural and petrophysical analyses to determine the influence of a basin-boundary fault geometry on (1) the damage zone thickness, (2) the spatial distribution of deformation bands, and (3) the damage zone permeability. Seismic interpretation and outcrop investigation on the Portalegre Fault, NE Brazil, revealed complexity in the boundary fault geometry and subsidiary structures. The boundary fault exhibits significant local variation in its strike (from N45°E up to N85°), while minor faults and deformation bands establish cross-cutting relationships with NW–SE-oriented structures, displacing NE–SW- and E–W-oriented structures. By analyzing deformation bands frequency, we identified the presence of three subsequent fault damage zones, totaling approximately 275 m in width. The first damage zone was developed near the basin-bounding Portalegre Fault, and secondary rift faults developed the other two damage zones during breaching and segment overlap. We observed that the permeability distribution recorded successive increases and decreases as we moved away from one fault and approached another. This structural and petrophysical complexity led us to interpret this fault damage zone as a linking damage zone. These observed patterns contrast with the structural and petrophysical behavior of a wall damage zone, wherein the frequency of subseismic structures decreases and permeability increases with distance from the fault. Thus, our study highlights the effect of fault tip interaction and linkage on the distribution of deformation bands and permeability, clarifying aspects related to structural heterogeneities of siliciclastic reservoirs affected by faults.

Water-blocking characteristics of fault zones with different structural combination of cementation degree

Recently, deep coal mining has posed a significant challenge owing to the threat of water inrush from highly pressured aquifers in the floor strata. Water inrush in the floor strata is often associated with the structural characteristics of the underlying fault zones. The permeability of these fault zones is a critical factor in determining their potential as conduits for water flow. The variation in permeability is attributed to the varying cementation degree across different locations within the fault zones. Hence, this study is based on the key stratum theory and introduces the concept of a water-blocking key stratum within fault zones. This research focuses on the engineering context of the 16th coal seam above the lower coal seam in the 10603 working face of the Yangcun Coal Mine's tenth mining area. The study investigates the activation characteristics of the 10605F5 reverse fault zone, which cuts through the working face. Various methods, including test of simulation of similar materials and numerical simulations, are employed to analyse the hydraulic pressure distribution and the impact of mining activities on the water-blocking key stratum within the 10605F5 reverse fault zone. The research findings will provide valuable insights for preventing fault activation and water inrush.

Stability studies of dispersed systems for physicochemical methods to enhance oil recovery in the presence of a hydrophobic filler

As the formation of highly permeable zones in the reservoir results in progressive watering of the produced products, restricting the movement of the oil displacement agent is one of the main conditions for further improving the effectiveness of methods for influencing oil-saturated formations. This can be achieved by targeted tamponing with physicochemical compositions of highly conductive channels and artificial fractures. In most cases, there is a redistribution of flow and, as a result, previously undrained reservoir intervals are brought into production.The effect of tamponing is best achieved by the use of dispersed systems containing various fillers. The use of such technologies is regulated in many documents used in the work of oil and gas producing enterprises. The formation of a high-quality water barrier in such technologies depends on the stability of the working composition.The article is devoted to the study of the influence of filler hydrophobicity on the sedimentation and aggregation stability of dispersed systems. The conditions under which the systems show the least tendency to sedimentation and are aggregatively unstable are considered. It has been shown experimentally that the stability of the systems is influenced by the hydrophobic properties of the filler, which do not allow the particles to enter the aqueous phase, swell and precipitate, thereby reducing the sedimentation stability. It has been shown experimentally that the systems composed of NaQMC or PetroPam P-104 have similar indicators for the time of onset of mass deposition of particles, their average calculated deposition rates as well as viscosity characteristics.

Detailed numerical evaluation of diffusion convection equation in layered reservoirs during tracer injection

Characterization of heterogeneous reservoirs such as multilayered or fractured systems is an important issue in different disciplines such as hydrology, petroleum and geothermal systems. One of the popular methods that can be used for this purpose is tracer tests. Better understanding of the mechanisms of mass transfer (convection–diffusion process) is essential for having a proper test interpretation. In this study, the solutions of different scenarios of tracer flow in a pair of high and low-permeable layered reservoirs including convection and diffusion mechanisms are discussed. Although analytical solutions generally provided exact solutions, they involve several assumptions and might be hard to use for complex problems. As a result, numerical methods are selected for the investigation of different scenarios and addressing cases that are beyond access of analytical methods. In this study, several scenarios of considering diffusion and convection in low and high permeable zones and effective parameters on tracer concentration are investigated. According to the results of this study, the higher the porosity ratio of low to high permeable layer, the more time is needed to get the final concentration value. Also, by increasing the value of the dispersivity coefficient, the time needed to increase the concentration decreases. In other words, the sharp increase in concentration for lower times is seen in higher dispersivity values. The concentration profile variation is affected by Peclet number. The difference among concentration profiles in different cases is considerable, especially in low Peclet numbers where the diffusion mechanism is dominant. This behavior is more common in low permeable mediums such as multilayered tight or shale reservoirs.

Secondary porosity and pore aspect ratios integrated with permeability and FMI logs to characterize flow zones at a Port Mayaca aquifer in South Florida

The complex pore structure of carbonate aquifers presents a challenge to interpreters analyzing geophysical logs and geologic data. A significant task is to develop physical rock models to determine the microstructure that provides information about flow-zone paths within the aquifer. In an attempt to achieve this task, an algorithm is devised to predict the secondary porosity formed by stiff macropores, compliant micropores, touching vugs, and pore aspect ratios from sonic logs. The pore aspect ratios are classified in intervals that delineate permeable and low permeability zones of aquifers. This provides information about the presence of isolated vugs, which do not contribute to the flow and connect or touch vugs that are part of the flow zones. The inversion results determined that permeable channels have pore aspect ratios 0.01–0.2. Alternatively, vugs with aspect ratios 0.5–1 are not forming permeable paths because they are isolated and are not contributing to flow zones. The inversion of P- and S-wave velocity logs using density and total porosity logs obtains the secondary porosity and pore aspect ratios. It found optimum correlation coefficients of 0.9975 for S-wave and 0.9405 for P-wave velocities by constraining the solution with the natural relation of the total porosity versus primary plus secondary porosities. The Port Mayaca aquifer includes Stoneley-wave permeability, formation microimager logs, and microresistivity logs, which together with pore aspect ratio and secondary porosity logs delineate and characterize the flow zones. In addition, data integration demonstrates that the vug porosity log detects fractures in resistive, permeable, and dense cemented zones. This new finding creates vug signatures, with their maximums resembling the shapes of the corresponding resistivity heights in the microresistivity log. In conclusion, it is shown that the anomaly zones correspond to water production regions, and their presence is confirmed with flow meter logs.

The Using of Unconventional Method depending on Well Power in the Mishrif Formation to Release Differential Stuck Pipe, Nahr Umr Oil Field, Southern Iraq

One of the main drilling problems is differential stuck pipe that lead to excessive non-productive time. The drill string usually stuck in the filter cake in permeable formations because it becomes immobile as a result of the drill string movement to connect a new pipe, make a trip, handle a drilling issue, etc. because there is a high permeability zone and a pressure difference between formation and filtering. So, without first releasing it by mechanical or chemical processes, the driller is unable to reciprocate or rotate it. Nahr Umr oil field was selected to study the problem of differential stuck pipe occurred while tripping out in the Hartha Formation and procedure steps to formulate the appropriate method to release the stuck string. Used unconventional method to free stuck pipe depend on well power in the Mishrif Formation after the conventional method failed to treat the problem. Then, the results were discussed with estimating stuck pipe depth and the force needed to release the string and comparison between the methods relative to the time and cost. Also, the result can be concluded that the appropriate mud weight is 1.27gm/cc. On the other hand, it was concluded that the unconventional method cheaper than the conventional method but it can be used if the formations contain oil or salt water only.

Fluid seepage mechanism and permeability prediction model of multi-seam interbed coal measures

The successful development of coal measure gas (CMG) in the Surat Basin in Australia shows that the geological conditions of thin-interbed CMG development may be more favorable, but the above understanding is still in the geological law summary level. This study combines numerical simulation and physical simulation experiments to study the core geological problems of CMG in the geological control of the permeability of a multi-thin coal seam composite reservoir (MTCCR). The results show that in the initial stage of stress loading, the permeability advantage of the coal-mudstone/sandstone composite reservoir is reflected in the bedding permeability. Based on this phenomenon, the concept of “cross-layer seepage effect of fluid in MTCCR” is proposed for the first time, which is analyzed as the result of the permeation effect of adjacent rock fluids in the composite reservoir under the action of pressure difference. The numerical simulation shows that the permeability increase of the MTCCR depends on the increase in the fracture, and the coupling effect of the fracture and pore changes the fluid pressure field and seepage mode around the fracture. From the experimental perspective, the above understanding confirms the results of previous conclusions on the geological law of high permeability of MTCCR, and explains the geological phenomenon of high permeability of MTCCR from the seepage mechanism. Based on numerical and physical simulation experiment, a sedimentation-tectonics controlled permeability prediction model was constructed. The seepage mechanism and the permeability prediction model established of MTCCR in this study can provide theoretical support and quantitative basis for the selection of high permeability zones and evaluation of high permeability sections in the exploration and development process of thin interbed CMG.

Thermo-hydraulic numerical modelling of in-soil conditions in reinforced soil walls

The role of temperature and relative humidity in long-term mechanical and chemical degradation of polyester fibres due to hydrolysis and creep is well documented. This study presents the results of a thermo-hydraulic 2D finite-element model used to estimate the magnitude and distribution of in situ temperature, relative humidity, and degree of saturation in the backfill of reinforced soil walls (RSWs) due to changes in atmospheric boundary conditions. Boundary conditions for in-air temperature, relative humidity and daily precipitation were taken from weather databases for continental, Mediterranean, desert, and tropical climates. Scenarios with different water tables, and permeable or impermeable zones around the reinforced soil zone were analyzed. Numerical outcomes show that mean in-soil temperature values can be related to the mean annual atmospheric value for each geographical location, with relevant fluctuations limited to the first 3 m of distance from the vertical and horizontal boundaries. In-soil relative humidity values depended on the climate dataset and the permeability of the zones adjacent to the reinforced soil. The results of this study and lessons learned are a valuable precursor for future studies of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical modelling of polyester geosynthetic RSWs under in situ operational conditions.

Influence mechanism and optimization of the plugging capacity of temporary plugging zones with different particle sizes based on pore structure

Reducing the temporary plugging zone permeability is the key to the success of temporary plugging and diverting fracturing. The pore structure of the plugging zone determines the permeability of the temporary plugging zone. This paper introduces a new method based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to quantitatively characterize the pore structure of temporary plugging zones with different particle size. The permeability of temporary plugging zone was measured, and seepage simulation was carried out based on pore network model (PNM). The particle compound method and formula were proposed to reduce the permeability of the temporary plugging zone. Finally, a permeability prediction model of temporary plugging zone based on pore structure was established. The results show that the porosity and tortuosity of the temporary plugging zone are independent of particle size under natural accumulation, and the pore radius decreases with the decrease in particle size. After compaction, the pore structure of the temporary plugging zone changes more obviously with smaller particle size. The seepage simulation shows that the number of flow channels in the temporary plugging zone formed by 2–3 mm particles is only 23.5% of the 0.6–1 mm flow channels. However, several obviously dominant channels are found in the 2–3 mm particles, resulting in a higher permeability. The 0.6–1 mm particles are used to fill the pores formed by 2–3 mm particles so that the dominant channel is divided into several small flow channels to significantly decrease the permeability of the 2–3 mm particles. When 2–3 mm and 0.6–1 mm particles are mixed according to the established particle size recombination formula, the pore radius and permeability of the temporary plugging zone decreased by 42.3% and 53.2% compared with 2–3 mm particles. The permeability prediction model can predict the permeability of temporary plugging zone well, and the average error is 9.145%. The sample preparation methods, pore structure testing and permeability prediction model were established in this work, providing a new method for the selection and design of temporary plugging agents.