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Displacement of oil by polymer flooding. Part 2

Journal Article · · Prod. Mon.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6485114

Previous investigations have suggested that, of the practically unlimited number of synthetic polymers which exist, only the partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamides appear to be useful as floodwater additives. For this reason, and because preliminary studies of other synthetic polymers on hand failed to indicate their usefulness, solutions of 2 partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamides (Polymer A and Polymer B) were made up for use in the oil displacement tests. A survey of all the displacment runs conducted gives a good picture of the applicability of these 2 polymers. In general, it was found that both types of solutions have an effect on oil recovery. However, Polymer A solutions showed a higher recovery efficiency than Polymer B solutions of the same concentration, when they were employed under identical conditions. As is to be expected, the permeability of a core, as well as the viscosity of a saturating oil, had a pronounced effect on the initial oil saturation attained for any given core. Graphs are presented representing viscosity of polymer solutions as a function of concentration, flow of brine and Polymer A solutions through Berea Sandstone, and flow of brine and Polymer B solutions through Berea Sandstone.

Research Organization:
Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
OSTI ID:
6485114
Journal Information:
Prod. Mon.; (United States), Journal Name: Prod. Mon.; (United States) Vol. 30:6; ISSN PROMA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English