Evaluation of the flow properties of xanthan gum solution

Conference · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Pet. Chem., Prepr.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6401055

Duda, J L; Klaus, E E; Leung, W C

In this study, the solution properties of two forms of xanthan gum, a powder and a broth, which are commercially available were evaluated. As previous studies have shown, the solutions prepared from the broth do exhibit better injectivity properties. However, this investigation also shows that other properties of these solutions are not equivalent. In its natural state, xanthane gum exists as a multistranded helix. This ordered confirmation can be destroyed and in a denatured state, the xanthan gum exhibits a more random configuration and consequently higher viscosity. One of the major conclusions of this study is that the xanthan powder is partially denatured when compared to the xanthan molecules which exist in the broth. This denaturing may occur during the drying process in which the xanthan solids are removed from the broth. Solutions prepared from the broth in the absence of the added salt show a transition in the viscosity-temperature relationship at approximately 40 to 50/sup 0/C. This is consistent with the behavior of native xanthan gum solutions. At approximately 50/sup 0/C, the molecules in solution go into a more random state and consequently, an abrupt rise in the viscosity is observed. However, solutions prepared from the polymer powder do not show any evidence of such a transition. The solutions prepared from the broth can be thermally denatured, and this denaturing results in viscosities which are equivalent to the viscosities realized with the powdered polymer. Before denaturing, the broth solution showed a lower viscosity. Further, intrinsic viscosity measurements indicate that the hydrodynamic volume of the polymer solutions prepared from the borth are smaller than the hydrodynamic volumes of solutions prepared from the powder.

• Research Organization: Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
• OSTI ID: 6401055
• Report Number(s): CONF-810308-(Vol.1)
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Pet. Chem., Prepr.; (United States) Journal Volume: 26:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
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ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
CARBOHYDRATES
CHLORIDES
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DISPERSIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID FLOW
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GUMS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
MIXTURES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM
POLYSACCHARIDES
RECOVERY
SACCHARIDES
SHEAR
SODIUM CHLORIDES
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
SOLUTIONS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
VISCOSITY