What is the temporary plugging agent for oil fields used for?

‌An oilfield temporary plugging agent is a substance that temporarily reduces formation permeability or temporarily seals high-permeability oil layers._

The temporary plugging agent for oil fields, when mixed with water-soluble polymers and injected into the well, can quickly form a thin and dense oil layer temporary plugging zone under the action of pressure difference. After a certain period of time, it can be self-relieved or manually unplugged. It is a commonly used chemical agent in oil field development, mainly used to address issues such as well fluid loss caused by the decline in formation pressure, as well as damage to the reservoir and reduced development efficiency.

Based on their solubility and working principles, oil field temporary plugging agents can be categorized into types such as acid-soluble, oil-soluble, water-soluble, and unidirectional pressure temporary plugging agents. For instance, during acidification, solid particles like paraffin, naphthalene powder, or silicon powder can be added to the acid solution as temporary plugging agents. As the acid solution infiltrates into the high-permeability sections, these particles are filtered out, blocking the pores of the high-permeability layer and allowing most of the acid to enter the medium and low-permeability sections. After acidification, the paraffin and naphthalene particles are dissolved by oil, while the silicon powder is carried to the surface with the oil and gas flow, thereby achieving the purpose of temporary plugging and subsequent unblocking.

Additionally, with technological advancements, oil field plugging agents are continuously being upgraded and improved. For instance, the Green Smart Broad Spectrum Self-Degradable Plugging Agent is a new type of oil field plugging agent that can degrade completely without the need for chemical additives, making it environmentally friendly and pollution-free. This plugging agent offers adjustable system strength and degradation time, a wide range of applicable temperatures and salinities, ease of construction, high plugging rates, and good permeability recovery after degradation, catering to various operational needs.

Overall, the oilfield temporary plugging agent plays a crucial role in oilfield development, serving as an essential chemical for ensuring normal production of oil wells and enhancing development efficiency.