Study of the Efficiency of Gel and Polymer-Stabilized Foam Systems for Gas Shut-Off in Horizontal Wells

Abstract

This article describes the assessment of effectiveness of gel and foaming agents for gas shut-off treatments in horizontal wells. The research is carried out through the implementation of a complex of special laboratory studies and analysis of the results using numerical modeling methods. A list of necessary laboratory experiments to minimize risks when carrying out work to limit gas inflow has been formulated, and approaches to carrying it out have been described. The program includes: free volume studies, filtration on linear and parallel core models. The results confirm the importance of studying not only the agent's physical characteristics at the reservoir conditions, but their interaction with reservoir fluids. The influence of different agents on the mobility of gas and oil was assessed as a result of linear core flooding experiments. In addition, the filtration tests on parallel cores were carried out aimed to determining the saturation selectivity. The series of numerical calculations was performed for the subsequent determination of the technological and economic effects of the treatment with gas blockers.