Review of Microgels for Enhanced Oil Recovery: Properties and Cases of Application

In todays' world, there is an increasing number of mature oil fields every year, a phenomenon that is leading to the development of more elegant enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies that are potentially effective for reservoir profile modification. The technology of conformance control using crosslinked microgels is one the newest trends that is gaining momentum every year. This is due to the simplicity of the treatment process and its management, as well as the guaranteed effect in the case of the correct well candidate selection. We identified the following varieties of microgels: microspheres, thermo- and pH-responsible microgels, thin fracture of preformed particle gels, colloidal dispersed gels. In this publication, we try to combine the available chemical aspects of microgel production with the practical features of their application at oil production facilities. The purpose of this publication is to gather available information about microgels (synthesis method, monomers) and to explore world experience in microgel application for enhanced oil recovery. This article will be of great benefit to specialists engaged in polymer technologies at the initial stage of microgel development.

Automated summary

In today's world, the increasing number of mature oil fields has led to the development of more advanced enhanced oil recovery technologies. Conformance control using crosslinked microgels is one of the latest trends in this field, with its simplicity in treatment process and management, as well as guaranteed effectiveness when selecting the right well candidate. This publication aims to combine the chemical aspects of microgel production with practical features of their application to provide valuable information to specialists involved in polymer technologies during the early stages of microgel development.