Some Key Features to Consider When Studying Acrylamide-Based Polymers for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery
Résumé
Among Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) methods, polymer flooding is a
straightforward technique with a long commercial history and proven results. It consists
in injecting polymer-augmented water into a subterranean formation in order to improve,
thanks to the viscosity increase, the sweep efficiency in the reservoir and provides a
mobility control between water and the hydrocarbons. However, implementing successfully a
polymer flood in the field requires specific know-how to avoid polymer degradation and
associated viscosity loss. The first stage begins with the selection of the right polymer
for the reservoir, depending on the water quality, temperature, permeability and presence
of contaminants such as iron, hydrogen sulfide and oxygen. Several laboratory tests have
to be performed to ensure the long term stability of the product as well as core flooding
experiments to check parameters such as injectivity and propagation through the porous
medium. The next step is the design and selection of equipment for the dissolution and the
injection of the polymer solution into the reservoir. Surface facilities are paramount for
the quality of the injected solution: the goal is to allow a good hydration, maturation
and transport of the solution while avoiding any type of degradation that can occur either
chemically (oxygen ingress) or mechanically (chokes, centrifugal pumps). Another aspect
that can be assessed is the degradation of the back -produced polymer. Several studies
have shown that there is no influence of the polymer on the separation of crude and water;
the polymer being water-soluble. However, when the viscosity of the produced water is
above 4 mPa.s, a treatment may be operated before the water treatment process to avoid any
difficulty in the surface facilities and an optimum efficiency.
Domaines
Physique [physics]
Origine : Publication financée par une institution
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