Do hydrolyzed polyacrylamide molecules change viscosity in high-salinity formation-water?

In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the molecular configuration and network of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) molecules in high-salinity formation-water and the viscosity changes from the microscopic dense to dilute phase.

How can polyacrylamide be used in waterflooding?

Another common use of polyacrylamide and its derivatives is in subsurface applications such as Enhanced Oil Recovery. High viscosity aqueous solutions can be generated with low concentrations of polyacrylamide polymers, and these can be injected to improve the economics of conventional waterflooding.

Does calcium concentration affect molecular configuration and viscosity of polyacrylamide molecules?

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide molecules in high-salinity formation-water solution are simulated using the molecular dynamics method to investigate the impact of calcium concentration on molecular configuration, network, and viscosity from microscopic dense to dilute phases. The key results are as follows:

What is high molecular weight polyacrylamide (PAM)?

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative High molecular weight (106–3 × 107 Da) polyacrylamide (PAM) is commonly used as a flocculant in water and wastewater treatment, as a soil conditioner, and as a viscosity modifier and friction reducer in both enhanced oil recovery and high volume hydraulic fracturing.

Does polymer flooding affect viscosity in high-salinity formation-water?

According to the reports from oilfields in which polymer flooding has been applied, 5–4 it is a big challenge to maintain the polymer’s viscosity in high-salinity formation-water. Polyacrylamides, including partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), are commonly used for polymer flooding.

Why does high permeability affect the viscosity of polymer solution?

This is because when the polymer solution passes through the high permeability zone or flow at high rates, the mechanical degradation may occur, thereby decreasing the viscosity of polymer solution.