Optimal Rheological Characteristics in Dynamic Stability of Polymer Flow through Porous Media: Topical Report

摘要

To identify the optimal rheological characteristics for maintaining the dynamic stability of polymer solutions flowing through porous media, displacement tests with a Newtonian fluid and a non-Newtonian fluid were performed in a 4-ft Berea sandstone core. A solution of 63 wt pct gylcerin in 53 meg/1 NaCL and a solution of 1500 ppM Pusher 500 in 53 meq/1 NaCl were used as the Newtonian fluid and non-Newtonian fluid, respectively. Two flow rates one in the purely viscous regime and one in the viscoelastic flow regime of Pusher 500 in Berea sandstone, were used in the displacement tests. The effluents collected were analyzed to determine polymer and tracer concentrations. The viscosities of the effluents were also measured with a Contraves viscometer. By comparing the concentration profiles obtained in tests with Pusher 500 and in those with gylcerin, the effects of flow rate, mobility ratio, and rheological characteristics on the dynamic stability of polymer flow in porous media were determined. At both leading and trailing edges of the polymer slug, stability increases with decreasing mobility ratio. At both high and low flow rates, a Newtonian fluid gives a more stable displacement at the fluid front than does a non-Newtonian fluid. Measurements on the mixing lengths at the back edge show that the size of the mobility buffer bank required for a flow rate at reservior conditions (viscous flow regime) would be less for a Newtonian fluid than for a non-Newtonian fluid. At a flow rate in the viscoelastic flow regime, the required size of the mobility buffer bank is less for a non-Newtonian fluid than for a Newtonian fluid. 39 refs., 13 figs., 1 tab. (ERA citation 13:035656)