The mechanisms of thermal solidification agent promoting steam diversion in heavy oil reservoirs

At high cycles of steam huff & puff, oil distribution in reservoirs becomes stronger heterogeneity due to steam channeling. Thermal solidification agent can be used to solve this problem. Its solution is a lowviscosity liquid at normal temperature, but it can be solidified above 80°C. The plugging degree is up to 99% at 250°C. The sweep efficiency reaches 59.2%, which is 7.3% higher than pure steam injection. In addition, simultaneous injection of viscosity reducer and/or nitrogen foams can further enhance oil recovery. The mechanism of this technology depends on its strong plugging ability, which changes the flowing pattern of steam to effectively mobilize remaining oil. Viscosity reducer and nitrogen foams further expand the sweep range and extends the effective period. Therefore, thermal solidification agent can plug steam channeling paths and adjust steam flowing direction to significantly enhance oil recovery at high cycles of steam huff & puff.