In the pursuit of maximizing hydrocarbon recovery from mature oil fields, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques are indispensable. Among the most widely adopted EOR methods is polymer flooding, where Polyacrylamide (PAM) plays a pivotal role. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is at the forefront of supplying high-performance PAM that significantly boosts oil production by improving reservoir sweep efficiency. Understanding the mechanism behind PAM's success in EOR is key to appreciating its value.

Primary oil recovery methods, such as natural pressure depletion and waterflooding, often leave a substantial amount of oil trapped within the reservoir rock. This trapped oil is due to unfavorable mobility ratios between the injected water and the reservoir oil, as well as the heterogeneity of the reservoir. Water, being less viscous than oil, tends to channel through the more permeable zones, bypassing significant oil saturation in tighter or less permeable areas. This phenomenon is known as viscous fingering and leads to poor volumetric sweep efficiency.

Polymer flooding addresses this issue by increasing the viscosity of the injected water. When PAM is dissolved in water, it forms a high-molecular-weight solution that significantly raises the water's viscosity. This increase in viscosity leads to a more favorable mobility ratio between the injected fluid and the reservoir oil. A higher mobility ratio ensures that the injected water front moves more uniformly through the reservoir, pushing a larger proportion of oil towards the production wells. This improved sweep efficiency directly translates to increased oil recovery rates.

The selection of the appropriate PAM for polymer flooding depends on several reservoir characteristics, including temperature, salinity, shear rate, and the presence of divalent ions. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers a range of PAM products, including anionic, cationic, and non-ionic variants, with carefully controlled molecular weights and degrees of hydrolysis. These products are engineered to provide optimal performance under diverse reservoir conditions, ensuring that:

  • Enhanced Sweep Efficiency: The increased viscosity of the polymer solution reduces viscous fingering and improves the volumetric sweep of the reservoir.
  • Improved Oil Displacement: By pushing the oil more effectively, PAM-enhanced waterflooding displaces oil trapped in unswept zones.
  • Reservoir Compatibility: Our PAM products are designed to be stable and effective in various reservoir conditions, minimizing degradation and maintaining performance.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: When properly applied, polymer flooding with high-quality PAM can offer a significant return on investment by recovering incremental oil that would otherwise be unrecoverable.

NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is committed to supporting the oil and gas industry's efforts to maximize resource utilization. Our advanced PAM solutions for EOR are a testament to our dedication to innovation and quality, providing operators with the tools they need to enhance production and extend the life of their assets. Partner with us to unlock the full potential of your reservoirs through effective polymer flooding strategies.