Modeling of the Installation and Stability of Gel Barriers in Main Fractures

Abstract

A quasi-one-dimensional nonstationary model for the shutoff of water flow into main fractures using Herschel–Bulkley viscoplastic fluid is presented. The mathematical model, developed in a one-dimensional isothermal approximation with the hydrodynamic parameters (pressure and velocity) averaged over the cross section of the fracture, can be used to determine the optimal technological parameters of the shutoff process and the size of gel barriers to provide their stability on exposure to intense filtration flow after the shutoff of the flow into the fracture. The ranges of flow rates which provide shutoff of a fracture of fixed width for the selected gel are determined. The stability of the installed gel barriers is estimated.