Abstract
This study compiles and analyzes data from over 125 published field projects around the world, covering nearly 900 treated wells. Building on those detailed studies, this paper distills the most important findings into a concise, practical, and actionable framework to guide where in-situ gel treatments should be applied, how they should be designed, and how their outcomes can be evaluated. The proposed workflow guides engineers through five integrated stages: screening appropriate gel types, designing formulation and injection strategies, predicting field response, evaluating treatment performance, and conducting iterative refinement with feedback loops to adjust designs based on observed outcomes. The framework integrates empirical selection rules, statistical design ranges, tapering strategies, and machine-learning tools, to support informed decision-making. While derived from retrospective analysis of mostly successful treatments, the structured methodology offers actionable guidance for future applications and helps bridge the gap between field observations and systematic design logic. By providing a data-informed workflow supported by field evidence, this study aims to enhance the reliability, consistency, and economic value of polymer gel treatments in complex reservoir conditions.
Recommended Citation
B. Bai et al., "Design Framework For Polymer Gel Treatments From A Database Of Field Projects," Shiyou Kantan Yu Kaifa Petroleum Exploration and Development, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 817 - 831, Elsevier, Jun 2026.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(26)60728-8
Department(s)
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Second Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
channeling type; conformance control; design framework; evaluation indicator; gel type; injection strategy; polymer gel; water control
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1000-0747
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development Co., Ltd., All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Publication Date
15 Jun 2026
Included in
Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering Commons, Geology Commons, Petroleum Engineering Commons
