ABSTRACT
The results of a series of dual (diversion) and single core foam experiments followed by liquid injection in unfired Berea sandstone cores are reported at high rates relevant to matrix acidizing. The sensitivity of the results to surfactant type and concentration, foam and post-foam liquid injection rates, permeability, temperature and presence of oil are discussed. Surfactant type, preflush and foam slug sizes are identified as critical parameters for subsequent liquid diversion into low-permeability regions. In contrast to EOR processes, surfactant adsorption is shown to be beneficial for diversion. At low liquid rates and high foam qualities relevant to EOR, foam at steady-state is found to behave as a Newtonian fluid with respect to liquid rate provided that the gas rate is above a critical rate. At high liquid rates and low qualities a shear-thinning behavior is observed. Pressure gradient during post-foam liquid injection is found to be independent of both foam and subsequent liquid rates, and to depend only on permeability for fixed surfactant chemistry. The entrance effects noted in foam literature are found to be more pronounced at high permeabilities and intermediate injection rates. Potential mechanisms as to why foam diversion in matrix acidizing works in the field are also discussed.
