"Smart" Multifunctional Polymers for Enhanced Oil Recovery

McCormick, Charles ; Lowe, Andrew

University of Southern Mississippi

关键词: Research Programs;    02 Petroleum;    Fluid Injection;    Polymers;    Emulsification;   

DOI  :  10.2172/924164
RP-ID  :  None
RP-ID  :  FC26-03NT15407
RP-ID  :  924164

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Recent recommendations made by the Department of Energy, in conjunction with ongoing research at the University of Southern Mississippi, have signified a need for the development of 'smart' multi-functional polymers (SMFPs) for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes. Herein we summarize research from the period of September 2003 through March 2007 focusing on both Type I and Type II SMFPs. We have demonstrated the synthesis and behavior of materials that can respond in situ to stimuli (ionic strength, pH, temperature, and shear stress). In particular, Type I SMFPs reversibly form micelles in water and have the potential to be utilized in applications that serve to lower interfacial tension at the oil/water interface, resulting in emulsification of oil. Type II SMFPs, which consist of high molecular weight polymers, have been synthesized and have prospective applications related to the modification of fluid viscosity during the recovery process. Through the utilization of these advanced 'smart' polymers, the ability to recover more of the original oil in place and a larger portion of that by-passed or deemed 'unrecoverable' by conventional chemical flooding should be possible.