Volume 62

Study on the Mechanism of COâ‚‚ Foam Flooding for Channeling Suppression Based on Visualization Simulation Experiments Chao Peng, Huiqing Liu, Xiang Li, Yu Li, Xiaocong Lyu, Song Zhou

Abstract

This study investigates the suppression effect of COâ‚‚ foam flooding on fluid channeling and its mechanism for enhancing oil displacement efficiency through two-dimensional visualization flat-plate experiments combined with image processing techniques to systematically analyze fluid distribution and sweep characteristics during the displacement process. The results indicate that COâ‚‚ flooding is influenced by viscous fingering, achieving a sweep efficiency of only 31.8% with an oil saturation of 54.8%. In contrast, COâ‚‚ foam flooding effectively seals high-permeability channels through the Jamin effect, redirecting fluid flow to low-permeability zones, significantly improving COâ‚‚ sweep efficiency and displacement performance. Microscopic observations reveal that COâ‚‚ foam consists of tiny bubbles, and their migration and sealing behaviors are the microscopic mechanisms underlying the improved macroscopic effects. This study provides visualization experimental evidence and quantitative evaluation methods for COâ‚‚ foam flooding in suppressing channeling and enhancing oil recovery.

Keywords COâ‚‚ Foam Flooding, Visualization Experiment, Sweep Efficiency, Jamin Effect, Enhanced Oil Recovery