Polymer Flooding 101: Basics & Key Concepts

In this chapter, we will explore why Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques should be considered much earlier in the oilfield development lifecycle, rather than as a last resort. We will examine the economic, technical, and operational benefits of integrating EOR from the outset, highlighting how this proactive approach can maximize recovery rates, optimize reservoir management, and significantly enhance long-term profitability.

This chapter provides a practical overview of polymer flooding, tracing its development from the early 70's research to its current role in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). We begin by exploring the history of polymer flooding, its origins, and the technological advancements that have shaped its evolution.

We will discuss the key benefits of polymer flooding, including its ability to accelerate oil production, enhance sweep efficiency, and reduce both water production and CO₂ emissions.

In this chapter, we will explore key concepts such as mobility ratio, how polymers improve sweep efficiency, and the impact of crossflow between layers in heterogeneous reservoirs.

Through detailed explanations, visuals, and video demonstrations, you will gain a clear understanding of how polymer solutions modify fluid dynamics within the reservoir, reducing water bypassing and improving oil displacement. We will also analyze the interactions between polymer viscosity, reservoir permeability, and fluid flow to illustrate why proper polymer selection and injection strategy are critical for success.

In this chapter, we explore the key factors that determine the suitability of polymer flooding for an oil field. You will learn how to define the envelope of application, considering reservoir characteristics such as permeability, oil viscosity, temperature, salinity, and heterogeneity.

We will also discuss the optimal timing for polymer flooding deployment, comparing secondary (early-stage) and tertiary (late-stage) applications. Through case studies and performance comparisons, you will see how early implementation can maximize recovery and improve project economics, while late-stage deployment can serve as a remediation strategy for declining fields.

In this chapter, we cover the fundamental know-how of polyacrylamides (PAMs) used in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), from their chemical composition to their behavior in reservoir conditions. We begin by examining the raw materials and manufacturing processes that influence polymer quality and performance.

Next, we explore the rheological properties of polyacrylamides, focusing on how factors like molecular weight, salinity, and shear rate impact viscosity and flow behavior in porous media. We will also discuss the challenges of polymer degradation, including thermal, mechanical, and oxidative breakdown, and strategies to mitigate these effects for long-term efficiency.

In this chapter, we focus on the key steps for successful reservoir screening and the strategic approach to building a strong business case for polymer flooding. We begin by discussing past project failures, identifying common challenges such as poor reservoir selection, improper polymer design, and inadequate field monitoring.

Next, we define the critical goals and success metrics for a polymer flood, including oil recovery targets, water cut reduction, and economic feasibility. We then briefly discuss how to select the optimal injection pattern to meet the manager's expectations.

We finish by discussing how to analyze pattern data, build a baseline and choose an adequate viscosity.

This chapter covers the key laboratory tests for selecting the right polyacrylamide for EOR. We start with polymer evaluation and stability. We will also review coreflooding tests to validate polymer effectiveness and oil recovery potential.

This chapter provides key insights into modeling polymer injection for EOR. We discuss analytical methods, including fractional flow theory, to predict polymer performance. Next, we explore the limitations of commercial simulators, addressing challenges in capturing fractures, viscous fingering, etc.

This chapter provides an overview of the key equipment required for polymer injection. We cover the basics of polymer mixing, hydration, filtration, and injection systems, highlighting their role in ensuring efficient polymer delivery. By the end, you'll understand the essential facility components needed for a successful polymer flood operation.

This chapter covers the key parameters to monitor on both the injection and production sides to ensure polymer flood success. We discuss injectivity, viscosity, and water quality at the injection side and oil cut, water and oil productions at the production side. A real-world case study illustrates how effective monitoring optimizes performance and mitigates risks.

This chapter explores typical reservoir responses during polymer flooding, including water cut reduction, oil cut improvement, and pressure changes. We analyze how these indicators evolve over time and provide insights on when to stop polymer injection to maximize recovery while maintaining economic efficiency. Understanding these responses helps optimize field performance and long-term project success.

This chapter outlines the key economic considerations in polymer flooding, emphasizing the importance of rough calculations for feasibility assessments. We break down cost components, including CAPEX (infrastructure, equipment) and OPEX (polymer, injection, maintenance), etc.

This chapter examines the challenges polymer flooding can introduce to production, separation, and treatment facilities. We discuss issues like increased viscosity, and water treatment complexities, along with strategies to mitigate them.

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