Permeability Reduction by a Xanthan/Chromium (III) System in Porous Media

Abstract

Summary This paper presents an experimental study on gelation of a xanthan/chromium(III) system in unconsolidated sandpacks at frontal velocities between 3 and 120 ft/D. High flow resistance developed at specific locations in the sandpacks in experiments conducted at velocities up to 35 ft/D; the locations correlated with velocity. No significant flow resistance developed in the sandpacks at frontal velocities of 83 and 118 ft/D. The effects of flow and shear rates and permeability on development of high flow resistance in the sandpacks are discussed. A conceptual model of the gelation process that incorporates filtration of gel aggregates is presented.