Star-like hydrophobically associative polyacrylamide for enhanced oil recovery: Comprehensive properties in harsh reservoir conditions

Rui Liu, Wanfen Pu, James J. Sheng, Daijun Du

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

This work fabricated a novel star-like hydrophobically associative polyacrylamide called SHPAM used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes in harsh reservoir conditions. SHPAM composed of a core of nano-silica and a layer of amphiphilic-polymeric chains was synthesized via a facile water free radical polymerization. It was systematically characterized using TEM, SEM, IR, 1H NMR and DLS. Measurements from solubility, thickening efficiency, long-term stability and rheological performance indicated that the three-dimensional microstructure and intermolecular associations provided SHPAM solution with fantastically comprehensive properties, outperforming hydrophobically associative polyacrylamide. The evidence from rectangle cores in a serial model experiments implied that SHPAM was well compatible with permeable cores and it had desirable injectivity with sustainable mobility control in porous media. Moreover, core flooding tests revealed that after extensive water flooding, SHPAM with the concentration of 1500 mg/L increased the oil recovery factor by 20% in sandstone cores. This study showed the robust potential of SHPAM as a polymer flooding candidate in high temperature and high salinity reservoirs where harsh conditions associated with lack of fresh water constrain the applications of conventional polymers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)639-649
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
Volume80
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2017

Keywords

  • Comprehensive properties
  • Harsh reservoir conditions
  • Nano-silica particles
  • Polymer flooding
  • Star-like hydrophobically associative polyacrylamide

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Star-like hydrophobically associative polyacrylamide for enhanced oil recovery: Comprehensive properties in harsh reservoir conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this