Lattice Boltzmann simulation of cross-linked polymer gel injection in porous media

Abstract This study addresses the critical challenge of excessive water production in mature oil and gas reservoirs. It focuses on the effectiveness of polymer gel injection into porous media as a solution, with an emphasis on understanding its impact at the pore scale. A step-wise Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is employed to simulate polymer gel injection into a 2D Berea sample, representing a realistic porous media. The non-Newtonian, time-dependent characteristics of polymer gel fluid necessitate this detailed pore-scale analysis. Validation of the simulation results is conducted at each procedural step. The study reveals that the methodology is successful in predicting the effect of polymer gel on reducing permeability as the gel was mainly formed in relatively larger pores, as it is desirable for controlling water cut. Mathematical model presented in this study accurately predicts permeability reductions up to 100% (complete blockage). In addition, simulations conducted over a wide range of gelation parameters, TD_factor from 1 to 1.14 and Threshold between 0.55 and 0.95, revealed a quadratic relationship between permeability reduction and these parameters. The result of this research indicates LBM can be considered as promising tool for investigating time-dependant fluids on porous media.