Comparison of solution properties of mobility control polymers
The solution properties of a spectrum of oil reservoir mobility control polymers have been compared. Polysaccharides, polyacrylamides, and hydroxy ethyl cellulose show vastly different solution behavior. Despite this, the properties investigated can be correlated by noting one molecular characteristic of these polymers, namely molecular size. Polyacrylamides are affected most severely by the presence of electrolytes. Polysaccharides are also affected by salt, but not to the same extent as polyacrylamides. Hydroxy ethyl cellulose is the most insensitive polymer to salt. Temperature can be inversely correlated with viscosity. Polyacrylamides have low activation energies for viscous flow. Polyacrylamides are extremely vulnerable to severe searing while xanthan gum, polysaccharides, and hydroxy ethyl cellulose are affected to a lesser degree. The viscosities of xanthan gum solutions can be maintained quite well for 6 or 8 months if the solutions are mixed properly and filtered prior to aging. The degradation affects the injectability of these solutions rather than the viscosity. Hydroxy ethyl cellulose is sensitive to biological degradation and formaldehyde seems to be a good perservative. While sodium hypoclorite may prevent biodegradation, it has a detrimental influence on viscosities of the solution. The viscosities of polysaccharide solutions that are prepared by gentle mixing can be maintained stable for at least two months. Polyacrylamides are also stable for months under the conditions studied. Dispersion and filtration are two important steps in the preparation of enhanced oil recovery agents. Xanthan gum requires severe shearing in blending. Polysaccharide and hydroxy ethyl cellulose solutions can be prepared by a variety of techniques; however, hydroxy ethyl celulose requires a significant hydration time.
- Research Organization:
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
- OSTI ID:
- 6500865
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-780305-P3
- Journal Information:
- Prepr., Div. Pet. Chem., Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Prepr., Div. Pet. Chem., Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 23:3; ISSN ACPCA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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