Abstract
To understand the applicability of high-temperature preformed particle gel (HT-PPG) for control of short-circuiting in enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs), core flooding experiments were conducted on fractured granite cores under varying fracture widths, gel particle sizes and swelling ratios. Key parameters such as injection pressure, water breakthrough pressure, and residual resistance factor were measured to evaluate HT-PPG performance. The gel exhibited strong injectability, entering granite fractures at pressure gradients as low as 0.656 MPa/m; HT-PPG yields a superior sealing performance by significantly reducing the permeability; and dehydration occurs during HT-PPG propagation, with a dehydration ratio ranging from 4.71% to 11.36%. This study reveals that HT-PPG can be injected into geothermal formations with minimal pressure yet provides strong resistance to breakthrough once in place. This balance of injectability and sealing strength makes HT-PPG effective for addressing thermal short-circuiting in EGS reservoirs.
Recommended Citation
K. C. DARKO et al., "Laboratory Investigation of High-temperature Preformed Particle Gels for Fluid Control in Granite Cores for Geothermal Applications," Petroleum Exploration and Development, vol. 52, no. 5, pp. 1378 - 1388, KeAi Communications, Oct 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(25)60649-5
Department(s)
Chemistry
Second Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Third Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Fourth Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
enhanced geothermal systems; fluid control; geothermal reservoir; granite reservoir; high-temperature preformed particle gel; sealing performance
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1876-3804; 2096-4803
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 KeAi Communications, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Oct 2025
Included in
Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering Commons, Geology Commons, Materials Chemistry Commons, Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Petroleum Engineering Commons
