A novel binary compound flooding system based on DPG particles for enhancing oil recovery

Aiming at deep profile control in water flooding reservoirs, a heterogeneous combination flooding system, composed of dispersed particle gel (DPG) and a zwitterionic surfactant (THSB), was developed. The mean particle diameter was adjusted and then the DPG morphology and diameter were characterized using a laser scanning, confocal microscope, and dynamic light scattering. The effects of DPG concentration, temperature, pH, and salinity on THSB interfacial tension (IFT) were investigated. A method for determining DPG concentration was proposed, and the dynamic retention and migration mechanisms of the particles were evaluated, using cores with different permeabilities. Finally, the oil displacement mechanism of the combination flooding system was explored through visual simulation experiments and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the particle diameter was 2.5 μm, that compared with a surfactant system, the IFT of the combination flooding system was relatively low, and that the temperature, pH, and NaCl content of solutions had little effect on THSB IFT. Since specific matching relationships between DPG particles and reservoir pore throats existed, the retention amount and injection pressure were improved with the increased core permeability. Visual simulation experiments revealed the oil recovery mechanism of the combination flooding system. This combination flooding system can be used in reservoirs under varied conditions, as the particle diameter can be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, and the THSB surfactant proved to be high-temperature resistant and high-salinity tolerant. The combination flooding system can be applied to deep profile control and oil displacement, in oil fields.