The oil and gas industry continuously seeks innovative methods to maximize hydrocarbon recovery from existing reservoirs. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques play a vital role, and among the chemicals employed, Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a key player. Its unique properties make it invaluable for improving the sweep efficiency of injected fluids, thereby increasing the amount of oil extracted.

Polyacrylamide's Mechanism in Enhanced Oil Recovery

In traditional waterflooding, a significant amount of oil often remains trapped in the reservoir rock. Water, being less viscous than oil, tends to channel through the path of least resistance, leaving behind substantial oil reserves. This is where PAM comes in. By dissolving PAM in the injection water, its viscosity is significantly increased. This viscous polymer solution behaves more like oil, reducing the mobility difference between the injected water and the reservoir oil. This leads to:

  • Improved Sweep Efficiency: The viscous polymer solution pushes more oil out of the pores, ensuring that the injected water contacts a larger volume of the reservoir.
  • Reduced Fingering: It minimizes the tendency of water to bypass oil, preventing viscous fingering and ensuring more uniform displacement.
  • Reservoir Conformance Control: In some applications, PAM can also be used in specialized treatments to block high-permeability zones, forcing injected fluids into less permeable, oil-rich areas.

Both anionic and cationic PAM can be used, but partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is particularly common due to its solubility and shear stability.

Selecting and Sourcing PAM for EOR

When selecting PAM for Enhanced Oil Recovery, crucial parameters include molecular weight, degree of hydrolysis, and shear stability. The polymer must maintain its viscosity under the high-pressure and shear conditions encountered during injection. Factors such as reservoir temperature, salinity, and rock permeability also influence the optimal choice of PAM.

For oil and gas companies looking to buy Polyacrylamide for EOR applications, partnering with a reliable Polyacrylamide supplier is essential. Ningbo Innopharmchem offers high-quality PAM products with specific properties suited for the demanding conditions of oilfield operations. As a reputable PAM manufacturer in China, we understand the critical requirements for EOR polymers and provide consistent quality at competitive Polyacrylamide prices.

The Future of PAM in Oil Recovery

Polyacrylamide remains a cost-effective and essential chemical for improving oil recovery rates. As the industry continues to explore unconventional resources and optimize existing fields, the demand for high-performance EOR polymers like PAM is expected to grow. Investing in quality PAM from a trusted manufacturer ensures enhanced production and economic viability for oil exploration projects.