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Mobility control with partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide--a reply to Emil Burcik

Journal Article · · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/2776-PA· OSTI ID:5375870

In ''The Mechanism of Microgels Formation and Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide'' (J. Petrol. Technol. pp 373-374, April 1969), E.J. Burcik suggested that ''microgels'' were the principal, if not the sole agent responsible for the mobility control that is obtained with polyacrylamide solutions. These gels were described as chemically linked aggregations of polymer molecules. Agreement is admitted with much of the data, but it is felt that the presence of microgels is not only unnecessary, but actually detrimental to the performance of polyacrylamide solutions. The linear molecules under consideration have a very open configuration and appear to deform under pressure to move through the tortuous channels of a reservoir rock. It appears that the size and pliability of the polymer molecules in solutions of Pusher polymer are such that they can move, with difficulty, through the pore openings in reservoir rock to create the resistance factor effect. True gels are undesirable because they will be filtered from solution by the reservoir rock adjacent to the injection well.

Research Organization:
Dow Chemical Co.
OSTI ID:
5375870
Journal Information:
J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 21; ISSN JPTJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English