Study of particle straining effect on produced water management and injectivity enhancement

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Theoretical and laboratory studies are performed aiming at the development of a predictive model for transport and retention of particles from produced water and crude oil/gas based on grain size distribution and particle sizes only. The particle capture by straining is thoroughly investigated. In the laboratory, injections of different sized particles suspended in fluid with different salinity and pH values have been carried out into the newly designed porous media holder with single-layer grains and into the column packed engineering porous media. The retained particles are filmed using microscope; their breakthrough concentrations are measured by particle counter. A new mathematical model accounting for pore connectivity and triangular pore throat shape is derived and applied to the experimental conditions. Agreement between test data and modelling results supports application of the model to the evaluation of straining effect on the produced water management and injectivity enhancement.</jats:p>