Low shear polymer injection method with ratio control between wells

Patent · Tue May 27 00:00:00 EDT 1980

OSTI ID:5865797

Stalder, J L

A method is described for the insertion of shear degradable aqueous polymer solutions in a polymer thickened flood. A series of pumps are used in a multi-branch system, while reducing shear degradation while maintaining pressure and rate control within any branch of said multibranch system comprising utilizing hydraulic drivers for the pumps. A hydraulic power source for the drivers is controlled (A) by a pressure sensing loop such that a selected preset pressure will not be exceeded by any branch of the injection system, and (B) by a rate proportioning control loop whereby the injection rate in the various branches of the multi-branch system will be maintained in a given proportion to one another regardless of rate changes in a designated master branch or in the total injection stream. Polymer shear rates are reduced by using plunger pumps, progressive cavity pumps, diaphram pumps or other low shear pumps for the polymer injection while utilizing throttle valves and hydraulic pumps for the hydraulic oil power system. An optional manually controlled variable speed drive can minimize the amount of bypassed hydraulic power oil.

• Assignee: Conoco Inc
• Patent Number(s): US 4204574
• OSTI ID: 5865797
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 21 Mar 1978
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
FLUID INJECTION
POLYMERS
OIL WELLS
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID FLOW
HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT
INJECTION WELLS
PETROLEUM
SHEAR PROPERTIES
DISPERSIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MIXTURES
RECOVERY
SOLUTIONS
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production