What is partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA)?

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) is the most frequently used polymer in this respect, owing to its low cost, viscosifying nature, and well-known physiochemical properties (Urbissinova et al. 2010). The molecule of this polymer is a flexible chain which remains in coil-like structure in the absence of a shearing effect.

Which polymers are used in oil fields?

Polymers, such as partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), are widely used in oil fields to enhance or improve the recovery of crude oil from the reservoirs. It works by increasing the viscosity of the injected water, thus improving its mobility and oil recovery.

Which polymer is used to produce partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM)?

PAM is used to produce partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), which is linear, anionic, water-soluble, stable, polymeric, and high molecular weight chain of acrylamide (C 3 H 5 NO) monomers (Bao et al., 2010; Braun et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2016; Xiong et al., 2018).

Why does PHPA reduce viscosity at high shear rates?

PHPA acts as shear-thinning polymer, i.e., it undergoes shear degradation and reduces viscosity at high shear rates. This is because, at high shear rates, the chains of the polymer get cutoff (Song et al. 2006). An increasing number of research studies using nanoparticles are being carried out every year.

How does the EOR process affect a polymer?

In the EOR process, the polymer is injected with high viscosity through the porous reservoir rock, which results in the polymer’s exposure to high mechanical stress. This subsequently affects the polymer’s properties and causes a reduction in its viscosity and performance.

What is chemical EOR?

The chemical EOR is one of the techniques for the increment in oil production. Chemical flooding using water-soluble polymers like partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) has been industrially used as an EOR technique. The paper deals with the effect of nano-silica particles on viscosity as well as the shear rate of the polymer solution.