Numerical Study on Mechanism and Parameters Optimization of Temporary Plugging by Particles in Wellbore

The temporary plugging by particles in the wellbore can open new perforation clusters and increase stimulated reservoir volume, but the temporary plugging process of particles is not clear. Therefore, in this paper, we take an ultradeep well in the Tarim Basin as the research object and establish a numerical model based on the coupled computational fluid dynamics-discrete element technology (CFD-DEM) approach, which accurately describes the movement process and mechanism of the temporary plugging particles in the wellbore. Furthermore, the influence of flow rate, concentration of injected particles, and the injected mass ratio of particle size on the temporary plugging effect were studied, respectively. In addition, based on the results of the orthogonal experimental analysis, we obtained the pump rate as the primary factor affecting the effect of temporary plugging, and we recommended the optimal operation parameters for temporary plugging by particles in the field: The pump rate is 2 m3/min, the concentration of the injected temporary plugging particles is 20%, and the ratio of the mass of the injected temporary plugging particles with particle size 1 to 5 mm to the mass of the temporary plugging particles with particle size 5 to 10 mm is 3:1. Finally, a single well that had implemented temporary plugging by particles was used to verify the recommended optimal temporary plugging operation parameters. The research results of this paper provide important guidance and suggestions for the design of temporary plugging schemes on the field.