Viscoelastic effects in polymer flow through porous media
The present investigation shows how viscoelastic fluids behave while flowing through unconsolidated porous media. The geometry of the porous media significantly affects elastic responses. The critical shear rate at which elastic effects are first noticed is significantly lower for the irregular sand and binary mixtures of glass beads than for regular glass spheres. Further, the critical shear rates for regular packing are independent of the CMC concentration. A narrow range of concentration of CMC and carbopol exists where elastic effects are first noticed. Below this concentration range, viscous forces control; while, above, elastic effects occur. A modified form of the non-Newtonian Darcy equation has been developed to predict the viscous and elastic pressure drop vs. flow rate relationships for flow of the elastic CMC solutions in beds of different geometry. The equation fits the data of this study with a maximum deviation of 11%. (13 refs.)
- OSTI ID:
- 6192807
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-7210140-
- Journal Information:
- Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE-4025; ISSN SEAPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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