Shear Thickening Behaviour of Cross-Linked Polyacrylamide Gels Induced by Gas Flow in Porous Media

Excessive water production is a persistent challenge in oil and gas wells, with polymer and gel solutions commonly employed for water control. This study investigates the rheological behaviour of cross-linked polyacrylamide gels and their impact on water shutoff treatment in gas wells. Rheological measurements, coreflooding experiments using Berea sandstone samples, and micromodel flow visualizations were conducted to evaluate gel performance. Results showed that during water injection, the water residual resistance factor $${(\text{Frr}}_{\text{w}}$$ ) decreases with increasing flow rates, mainly due to gel shear thinning behaviour and reduced residual gas saturation. Higher polymer concentrations in the gel enhance water permeability reduction. In contrast, under gas flow, shear thickening occurs in the gel when the gas flow exceeds a certain critical rate (Qgc), where the gas residual resistance factor ( $${\text{Frr}}_{\text{g}}$$ ) increases due to stretching the gel layer within the porous medium. Micromodel visualizations confirmed this deformation and highlighted gel effectiveness in reducing gas permeability at high flow rates. These findings provide novel insights into the flow dynamics of cross-linked gels and their applications in governing water production in gas formation.