Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a versatile synthetic polymer that has become a cornerstone additive in numerous industrial sectors, with its applications in the oil and gas industry being particularly extensive and impactful. Understanding the fundamental properties of PAM is key to appreciating its role in enhancing efficiency, safety, and productivity throughout the oil extraction lifecycle. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is a leading supplier of high-quality polyacrylamide, supporting the industry with reliable chemical solutions.

Chemically, polyacrylamide is a linear polymer with the formula (-CH2CHCONH2-)n. It is characterized by the presence of amide groups along its backbone, which impart excellent water solubility and a tendency to form viscous solutions. This high degree of water solubility and thickening capability is central to many of its industrial uses. PAM can exist in various forms, including powder, emulsion, and solution, each offering specific advantages depending on the application.

In the oil industry, polyacrylamide's utility spans several critical areas:

  • Drilling Fluids: PAM acts as a rheology modifier, fluid loss reducer, and lubricant. It helps in carrying cuttings, stabilizing the wellbore, and reducing drilling friction, thereby improving overall drilling efficiency and safety. Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is particularly favored for these applications.
  • Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): As a polymer flooding agent, PAM is injected into reservoirs to increase the viscosity of the driving fluid. This improves the sweep efficiency, displacing more oil from the rock pores and significantly increasing production from mature fields. Specialized PAM grades with high molecular weight and salt tolerance are crucial for effective EOR.
  • Water Shutoff: In reservoirs experiencing high water production, PAM can be used as a selective plugging agent to reduce water permeability while minimally impacting oil flow, thereby enhancing the oil-to-water ratio.
  • Fracturing Fluids: PAM serves as a thickener and friction reducer in hydraulic fracturing fluids, enabling the efficient transport of proppants into induced fractures and improving reservoir permeability.
  • Water Treatment: PAM is widely employed as a flocculant in oilfield wastewater treatment, aiding in the separation of suspended solids and improving water clarity for discharge or reuse.

The specific properties of polyacrylamide used – such as molecular weight, degree of hydrolysis (ionic charge), and solubility – are carefully selected to match the unique conditions of each application, including reservoir temperature, salinity, and shear rates. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers a diverse portfolio of polyacrylamide products, backed by technical expertise to assist clients in selecting the optimal solution for their operational needs. The continued innovation in PAM chemistry ensures its enduring importance in optimizing the efficiency and sustainability of oil and gas operations.