In the quest to maximize hydrocarbon extraction from mature oil reservoirs, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques are indispensable. Among the most effective chemical EOR methods is polymer flooding, where water-soluble polymers like polyacrylamide (PAM) are injected into the reservoir to improve oil recovery. PAM's unique properties make it an invaluable tool for tackling challenges like reservoir heterogeneity and unfavorable mobility ratios between oil and water.

The fundamental principle behind polymer flooding using PAM is to increase the viscosity of the injected water. Crude oil, particularly in many reservoirs, has a significantly lower viscosity than water. When water is injected to displace oil, it tends to bypass the oil, flowing preferentially through the more permeable zones of the reservoir. This leads to inefficient oil displacement and premature water breakthrough at production wells. By injecting PAM-enhanced water, the viscosity of the displacing fluid is significantly increased. This higher viscosity improves the volumetric sweep efficiency of the reservoir, ensuring that more oil is contacted and mobilized. The improved sweep helps to recover oil that would otherwise be left trapped behind the injected water.

Another critical aspect where PAM contributes to EOR is through reservoir conformance control and reducing the mobility ratio. By selecting PAM with appropriate molecular weight and concentration, reservoir engineers can tailor the fluid's rheological properties to match the reservoir characteristics. This helps to maintain a more stable front between the injected water and the oil, preventing viscous fingering and ensuring a more uniform displacement. For reservoirs with high permeability contrasts, certain types of PAM can be specifically designed to preferentially flow into high-permeability zones, effectively 'plugging' them and forcing the injected water into lower-permeability regions, thereby improving the overall sweep efficiency.

The selection of the correct PAM for EOR is critical and depends on several reservoir parameters, including temperature, salinity, shear conditions, and the presence of divalent ions. Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamides (HPAM) are commonly used due to their balance of viscosity and shear stability. Factors like thermal stability at reservoir temperatures and tolerance to existing ions in the injection water are key considerations. The polymer solution must be prepared correctly to ensure it remains stable and effective throughout the injection process.

Ningbo Inno Pharmchem Co., Ltd. provides a range of high-quality polyacrylamide polymers specifically engineered for enhanced oil recovery applications. Our products are designed to offer excellent viscosity enhancement, thermal stability, and shear resistance, contributing to more efficient and cost-effective oil extraction. By strategically deploying PAM in EOR projects, oil companies can significantly boost production from existing reservoirs, extending their economic life and maximizing asset value. Our technical team works closely with clients to select the optimal PAM solution for their specific reservoir conditions, ensuring maximum EOR performance.