NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides essential chemical solutions for the energy sector, including advanced polymers like Polyacrylamide (PAM) that are critical for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). As oil fields mature, traditional extraction methods become less efficient, necessitating the use of specialized chemicals to maximize hydrocarbon recovery. PAM plays a pivotal role in these advanced EOR techniques.

Understanding Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Enhanced Oil Recovery refers to a range of techniques used to increase the amount of crude oil extracted from a reservoir after primary and secondary recovery methods have been exhausted. These methods often involve injecting substances into the reservoir to alter the properties of the oil or the reservoir fluid, improving oil mobility and displacement. Polymer flooding, a key EOR technique, relies heavily on polymers like Polyacrylamide.

PAM's Role in Polymer Flooding for EOR

In polymer flooding, PAM is injected into the reservoir as part of the injection fluid. Its primary function is to increase the viscosity of the injected water. This increased viscosity has several crucial effects:

  • Improved Sweep Efficiency: By making the injection water more viscous, PAM helps to push the oil more effectively through the porous rock formations. This prevents the injected water from bypassing the oil (channeling) and ensures a more uniform sweep of the reservoir, increasing the overall recovery of oil that would otherwise be left behind.
  • Reduced Water Mobility: High-viscosity PAM solutions have lower mobility ratios compared to oil, meaning the water is less likely to finger through the oil bank. This selective displacement is key to maximizing oil recovery.
  • Increased Injectivity Control: The rheological properties of PAM allow for better control over the injection process, ensuring optimal distribution of the fluid within the reservoir.

Types of PAM Used in EOR

While various forms of PAM exist, partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is commonly used in EOR due to its balance of viscosity enhancement and cost-effectiveness. The specific molecular weight and degree of hydrolysis of the PAM are carefully selected based on reservoir characteristics such as temperature, salinity, and rock permeability to achieve the desired performance.

Advantages and Considerations

The use of PAM in EOR offers significant advantages, including increased oil production rates and a higher ultimate recovery factor. However, considerations such as polymer degradation under harsh reservoir conditions (high temperature, shear, or salinity) and the cost of chemicals are important factors in successful EOR implementation. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides PAM products engineered for enhanced stability and performance in demanding oilfield environments.

As the demand for oil continues, efficient EOR techniques are becoming increasingly vital. Polyacrylamide remains a cornerstone polymer for achieving greater oil recovery, and NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is committed to supplying high-quality PAM solutions to support this critical industry.