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Fundamentals of tertiary oil recovery. Pt. 7. Polymer flooding

Journal Article · · Pet. Eng.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6733789
Polymer flooding is directed toward improving sweep efficiency by reducing the mobility ratio. Some authorities state that mobility ratio is the most important single characteristic in a waterflood. Mobility of a given fluid is the permeability of the rock to that fluid divided by the fluid's viscosity. Mobility ratio in a waterflood is the mobility of the injected water at residual oil saturation divided by the mobility of the oil at connate water saturation. A mobility ratio (M) of approx. one or less is considered favorable. Examination of the formula for mobility ratio shows that M for a waterflood can be made more favorable by any of the following: (1) decrease the effective permeability to water; (2) decrease oil viscosity; (3) increase viscosity of injected water; and/or (4) increase the effective permeability to oil. (13 refs.)
Research Organization:
Atlantic Richfield Co
OSTI ID:
6733789
Journal Information:
Pet. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Pet. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 48:8; ISSN PENGA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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