Learn how VES diverting acid technology improves acid placement efficiency in carbonate reservoirs. Discover AC-VES viscoelastic surfactant diverting agent and acidizing solutions from Sichuan All-Chem Chemical Co., Ltd.
Matrix acidizing remains one of the most effective stimulation techniques for improving production from carbonate reservoirs. However, one of the biggest challenges during acidizing treatments is achieving uniform acid placement throughout the target interval.
Without proper diversion, acid tends to flow into the most permeable zones first, leaving low-permeability sections untreated. This results in uneven stimulation, poor reservoir coverage, and reduced production improvement.
To overcome this challenge, the oil and gas industry increasingly relies on VES Diverting Acid Technology, a self-diverting acid system based on viscoelastic surfactants (VES) that improves acid distribution and stimulation effectiveness.
What Is VES Diverting Acid?
VES Diverting Acid refers to an acidizing fluid system containing a Viscoelastic Surfactant (VES) Diverting Agent.
Unlike conventional particulate diverting agents that physically block flow channels, VES systems temporarily increase fluid viscosity after reacting with formation minerals.
This viscosity increase helps:
- Reduce fluid entry into already stimulated zones
- Redirect acid toward untreated intervals
- Improve reservoir contact
- Enhance stimulation efficiency
Because the diversion process occurs automatically during treatment, VES systems are often referred to as Self-Diverting Acid Systems.
Why Acid Diversion Is Important
In heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs, permeability variations can be substantial.
During conventional acidizing:
- Acid enters high-permeability zones first
- Wormholes rapidly develop
- Fluid preferentially follows existing flow paths
- Large portions of the reservoir remain untreated
As a result:
- Acid efficiency decreases
- Treatment costs increase
- Production gains are limited
Acid diversion technology helps ensure more uniform acid placement throughout the reservoir.
Advantages of VES Diverting Acid Systems
Self-Diverting Mechanism
One of the biggest advantages of VES diverting acid is its ability to create temporary viscosity increases without requiring solid particles.
Benefits include:
- Better acid placement
- Reduced formation damage
- Easier post-treatment cleanup
Improved Reservoir Coverage
By redirecting acid flow toward lower permeability intervals, VES systems can significantly increase the stimulated reservoir volume.
Excellent Cleanup Performance
Unlike particulate diverting materials, VES diverting agents generally break down after treatment and flow back with production fluids.
This minimizes residual damage.
Compatibility with Acid Systems
VES diverting agents are commonly used in:
- 15% HCl Acid
- 20% HCl Acid
- Organic Acid Systems
- Emulsified Acid
- Retarded Acid Systems
Applications of VES Diverting Acid
Carbonate Matrix Acidizing
VES diversion technology is widely used in carbonate reservoirs where permeability contrast is significant.
Multi-Layer Reservoir Stimulation
The system helps achieve more uniform stimulation across multiple producing intervals.
Horizontal Wells
Long horizontal sections often require effective diversion to ensure complete reservoir coverage.
Acid Fracturing Operations
VES diverting systems may also be used to improve acid distribution during acid fracturing treatments.
The Role of Acidizing Corrosion Inhibitor in VES Diverting Acid Systems
While VES diverting acid improves acid placement, corrosion protection remains equally important.
Acid systems containing hydrochloric acid can aggressively attack:
- Tubing
- Casing
- Coiled tubing
- Surface equipment
Therefore, a high-performance Acidizing Corrosion Inhibitor should always be included in the acid formulation.
A properly designed acid system typically contains:
- Acidizing Corrosion Inhibitor
- Corrosion Inhibitor Intensifier
- Iron Control Agent
- Mutual Solvent
- Non-Emulsifier
- VES Diverting Agent
Together, these additives improve both stimulation effectiveness and operational safety.
Key Characteristics of an Effective VES Diverting Agent
When selecting a viscoelastic surfactant diverting agent, operators should consider:
Thermal Stability
The product should maintain performance under reservoir temperatures encountered during acidizing operations.
Acid Compatibility
Excellent compatibility with hydrochloric acid systems is essential.
Strong Diversion Performance
The diverting agent should effectively redirect acid into untreated zones.
Easy Cleanup
After treatment, the system should break cleanly and leave minimal residue.
Formation Compatibility
The product should minimize formation damage and support rapid production recovery.
AC-VES Viscoelastic Surfactant Diverting Agent from Sichuan All-Chem Chemical Co., Ltd.
Sichuan All-Chem Chemical Co., Ltd. provides advanced stimulation chemicals for acidizing and acid fracturing operations.
Our AC-VES Viscoelastic Surfactant Diverting Agent is specifically developed for self-diverting acid systems and carbonate reservoir stimulation applications.
Key Benefits of AC-VES
- Excellent diversion efficiency
- Strong acid compatibility
- Improved acid placement
- Reduced formation damage
- Effective stimulation of heterogeneous reservoirs
- Easy cleanup after treatment
- Suitable for matrix acidizing and acid fracturing
Learn more about AC-VES:
Post time: Jun-24-2026