A Novel Method for Optimizing Mixed Ratio of Temporary Plugging Particles with Different Sizes by Visualization Experiment

ABSTRACT: Optimizing the mixed ratio of temporary plugging particles with different sizes is crucial for temporary plugging and diversion fracturing technology. In this paper, the temporary plugging particles with size of 3.0 mm and 1.8 mm has been taken as samples, and the mixed ratio was set as 1:0, 2:1, 1:11:2, 1:3 and 1:4, respectively. Experiments were conducted by a visualization dynamic experimental device. The results show that larger ratio of temporary plugging particles with the size of 1.8 mm would increase difficulty of plugging layers formation, the plugging layer has not been formed when the ratio is 1:4. Besides, the formation time of the plugging layer increases and its length decreases, when the ratio is 1:2, the formation time is 4.3 and 2.3 times that of 2:1 and 1:1, and the length is 0.38 and 0.45 times, respectively. The permeability of the formed plugging layer decreases first and then increases, when the ratio is 1:2, the permeability is the lowest, which is 0.71 and 0.54 times that of 1:1 and 1:3, respectively. Therefore, taking into account difficulty, time, length, and permeability, the optimal mixed ratio is 1:1. The field application shows that temporary plugging effect is obvious.