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Behavior of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide solutions in porous media

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5493111

The variables are surveyed which determine the behavior of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, often mentioned as an additive for viscous waterflooding. The parameters studied are composition of the brine in which the polymer is dissolved, the chemical composition of the solid phase which the polymer solution contacts, the pore sizes of the solid phase, molecular weight of the polymer, flow rate of the polymer solution, and temperature. The results show that the extent of polymer adsorption from solution may be quite high if the solution is very saline or is in contact with carbonate rock. The results also suggest that solution salinity, flow rate, rock pore size and polymer molecular weight exert major influences on the reduction of mobility and permeability by polymer solution. At temperatures where the polymer is chemically stable, the effect of temperature on flow behavior appears trivial. In Berea Sandstone, alternation of wettability and oil saturation appears to have no marked effect on either polymer solution mobility or reduction of permeability. (12 refs.)

Research Organization:
Sinclair Oil Corp
OSTI ID:
5493111
Report Number(s):
CONF-690466-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE-2422; ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English