Mechanism and Influencing Factors on the Initial Particle Size and Swelling Capability of Viscoelastic Microspheres

Viscoelastic microspheres are spherical particles with a three-dimensional network structure and have obvious swelling capability. The initial particle size and swelling ratio were introduced to study the effect of preparation conditions and external environmental factors systematically. The initial particle size could be controlled by adjusting the preparation conditions. The swelling capability was affected by both preparation condition and external environmental factor. The mechanisms of swelling are formation of hydrogen-bonded hydrolysis and diffusion induced by osmotic pressure. This work can provide some references for the particle size adjustment of viscoelastic microspheres in the profile control and flooding of heterogeneous reservoirs.