The global demand for energy continues to drive innovation in the oil and gas sector. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques are becoming increasingly vital for maximizing output from mature reservoirs. Polyacrylamide (PAM), a versatile synthetic polymer, plays a crucial role in many EOR strategies, particularly in polymer flooding. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides high-quality PAM essential for optimizing these operations.

The Role of PAM in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

PAM is a water-soluble polymer known for its ability to increase fluid viscosity and reduce friction. In EOR, these properties are leveraged in several ways:

  • Viscosity Enhancement for Polymer Flooding: In polymer flooding, PAM is injected into the reservoir alongside water. Its primary function is to increase the viscosity of the injected water. This improved viscosity helps the water to sweep more efficiently through the reservoir, pushing more oil towards production wells. It helps overcome the mobility ratio mismatch between water and oil, leading to higher oil recovery factors.
  • Friction Reduction: During injection and pumping operations, high molecular weight PAM can significantly reduce frictional pressure losses. This leads to lower pumping energy requirements and improved injectivity.
  • Mobility Control: By increasing the viscosity of the injection fluid, PAM helps to control the mobility of the water front, preventing preferential water channeling through high-permeability zones and ensuring a more uniform sweep of the reservoir.

Types of PAM Used in EOR:

While various PAM types can be used, partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is particularly common in EOR. The degree of hydrolysis influences its solubility, viscosity, and behavior in reservoir conditions, including salinity and temperature.

Procurement Considerations for EOR-Grade PAM:

When sourcing PAM for EOR applications, several factors are critical:

  • High Molecular Weight: EOR typically requires PAM with high molecular weights (often in the millions of Daltons) to achieve the necessary viscosity and bridging capabilities.
  • Salt Tolerance: Reservoir brines can be highly saline. Therefore, PAM formulations need to exhibit good salt tolerance to maintain their performance.
  • Thermal Stability: Reservoir temperatures can be elevated, so the PAM must remain stable and effective at the required operating temperatures.
  • Shear Stability: PAM needs to withstand the shear forces encountered during pumping and flow through porous media without significant degradation.
  • Purity and Supplier Reliability: Sourcing from a trusted manufacturer like NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is essential for consistent quality, reliable supply, and adherence to stringent oilfield specifications. We understand the demanding requirements of the EOR sector.

NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is a dedicated supplier of high-quality polyacrylamide products tailored for the oil and gas industry. Our EOR-grade PAM offers the viscosity, stability, and performance needed to maximize oil recovery. Partner with us to secure a dependable supply of PAM and enhance your EOR operations. Contact us to discuss your specific project requirements and explore our product offerings.