The oil and gas industry constantly seeks innovative methods to maximize hydrocarbon recovery from existing reservoirs. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques are vital in this pursuit, and polyacrylamide (PAM) has emerged as a key chemical additive, particularly for its ability to increase the viscosity of injected fluids. As a trusted manufacturer and supplier, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides high-performance polyacrylamide tailored for the demanding conditions of oilfield operations. If your company needs to buy advanced chemicals for oil recovery, understanding PAM's role is crucial.

The Mechanism of Polyacrylamide in Oil Recovery

In conventional oil extraction, water is often injected into reservoirs to push oil towards production wells. However, water typically has much lower viscosity than oil. This viscosity difference can lead to 'viscous fingering,' where the water bypasses a significant portion of the oil, reducing overall recovery efficiency. This is where polyacrylamide-based polymer flooding, also known as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) by polymer flooding, comes into play.

When PAM is dissolved in water, it significantly increases the viscosity of the injection fluid. This thickened water ('polymer solution') then moves through the reservoir at a similar rate to the oil, minimizing viscous fingering. The result is a more uniform sweep of the reservoir, displacing more oil towards production wells and ultimately increasing the total amount of oil recovered from the field. The effectiveness of PAM in this application is highly dependent on its molecular weight and shear stability under reservoir conditions.

Key Considerations When Purchasing PAM for Oilfield Applications

Selecting the appropriate polyacrylamide for oil recovery requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness:

• Molecular Weight: High molecular weight PAM is generally preferred for its superior viscosity-enhancing capabilities. However, extremely high molecular weight polymers require careful handling and dissolution to prevent excessive shear degradation.
• Shear Stability: Reservoir conditions, including pumping through pipes and flowing through porous rock formations, can subject the polymer to high shear forces, which can break down the polymer chains and reduce viscosity. Choosing PAM with good shear stability is critical.
• Salinity and Temperature Tolerance: Reservoir fluids can vary greatly in salinity and temperature. PAM formulations need to maintain their viscosity and integrity under these harsh conditions. Specific copolymer structures are often designed to improve tolerance to high salinity and temperature.
• Dissolution Rate: Efficient and rapid dissolution of PAM powder into water is important for operational efficiency at the wellsite.

Partnering with NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. for Your Oil Recovery Needs

As an experienced manufacturer and supplier, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers a range of specialized polyacrylamide products designed for Enhanced Oil Recovery. We understand the critical need for reliable, high-performance chemicals in the oil and gas sector. Our team is equipped to provide technical guidance on selecting the most suitable PAM grade for your specific reservoir characteristics and operational goals. When you choose to buy from us, you’re assured of consistent quality, competitive pricing, and dependable supply. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get a quote for our premium polyacrylamide for oil recovery.