PPG Project 

PPG (mm-sized preformed particle gel) is an improved super adsorbent polymers (SAPs). SAPs are a unique group of materials that can absorb over a hundred times their weight in liquids and do not easily release the absorbed fluids under pressure. Superabsorbent polymers are primarily used as an absorbent for water and aqueous solutions for diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products and agriculture industry. However, the traditional SAPs in the markets do not meet the requirements for conformance control due to their fast swelling time, low strength and instability at high temperature.  A series of new SAPs called preformed particle gels (PPGs) have developed for the conformance control purposes (Li, 1997, Bai, 2004, 2007). PPG properties are summarized as follows.

• PPG sizes are adjustable: µm-cm.

• Swelling ratio in formation water: 30~200 times original.

• Salt resistance: all kinds of formation salts and concentrations are acceptable.

• Thermal stability: more than 1 year below 110 ºC.

• Strength: adjustable, high strength product available.

• Swelling rate: slightly controlled.