The global demand for energy continues to drive innovation in the oil and gas industry, particularly in maximizing the extraction of hydrocarbons from existing reservoirs. While conventional methods can recover a significant portion of crude oil, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques are essential for tapping into the remaining, more challenging reserves. Among the most effective EOR methods is polymer flooding, where Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a key component, significantly boosting oil recovery rates.

In oil reservoirs, after primary and secondary recovery methods have extracted most of the accessible oil, a substantial amount often remains trapped within the porous rock formations. Waterflooding is a common secondary recovery technique, where water is injected into the reservoir to push oil towards production wells. However, water often has a much lower viscosity than the oil, leading to 'viscous fingering'—where the water channels through the oil, bypassing much of it and leaving a considerable amount behind.

This is where Polyacrylamide comes into play. By injecting carefully formulated solutions of high molecular weight PAM into the reservoir, the viscosity of the injected water is significantly increased. This tailored increase in viscosity helps to match the viscosity of the oil, thereby improving the 'sweep efficiency' of the waterflood. Instead of channeling through the oil, the more viscous polymer solution pushes the oil more uniformly towards the production wells, effectively mobilizing oil that would otherwise be unrecoverable.

The selection of the appropriate PAM for EOR is critical. Factors such as molecular weight, degree of hydrolysis, salinity tolerance, and shear stability are carefully considered. Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is often favored due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to provide the desired viscosity. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO., LTD. supplies specialized grades of PAM designed for EOR applications, ensuring high performance and reliability under reservoir conditions.

The benefits of using PAM in EOR are substantial. It can increase oil recovery by an additional 5-30% or even more in certain reservoirs, providing a significant economic uplift. Furthermore, by maximizing the recovery from existing fields, polymer flooding with PAM contributes to more sustainable energy production, reducing the need for costly and environmentally intensive exploration of new reserves.

As the industry continues to push the boundaries of oil extraction, the role of advanced chemical solutions like Polyacrylamide remains indispensable. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO., LTD. is committed to supporting the oil and gas sector with high-quality PAM products and technical expertise, helping to unlock the full potential of oil reservoirs worldwide.