Polymer solution flow in porous media

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1970 · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/2369-PA· OSTI ID:5311304

Harvey, A H; Menzie, D E

Waterflood prediction techniques which consider areal sweep and reservoir stratifiation have been used to evaluate the effect of improved mobility ratio on oil recovery. If accurate relative permeability data are available and if stratigraphic variations in the reservoir are known, then these prediction techniques may lead to a rough approximation of the performance of a polymer flood. However, such prediction techniques fail to consider that the apparent flow resistance to a polymer solution depends on flow velocity, as well as permeability. These rate- dependent effects may be significant in a pattern flood, since fluid velocity is not constant. They may also be significant in a heterogeneous reservoir. Under favorable conditions, some rate-dependent fluids will tend to even out the flood front in a stratified reservoir and thereby increase oil recovery. This effect cannot be anticipated with conventional waterflood prediction techniques. A method is described for the analysis of rate-dependent effects in the flow of polymer solutions through unconsolidated porous media. Experimental data are presented for solutions of polyacrylamide, polyethylene oxide, and polysaccharide. The results of the data are illustrated by graphical representations.

• Research Organization: Gulf Research and Develop Co
• OSTI ID: 5311304
• Journal Information: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. 10:2; ISSN SEAPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ADDITIVES
ENGINEERING
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
OIL WELLS
PERMEABILITY
POLYMERS
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
RESERVOIR ROCK
WATERFLOODING
WELLS