New Model Development for Polymer Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery EOR

Abstract Chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a method that helps to increase recovery of oil in the tertiary stage of a reservoir. Methods such as polymer, surfactant, and microbial injection increase overall recovery by producing unswept or residual oil that remains after a water flood. The primary goal of this research was to simplify the calculations needed to predict polymer rheology and to model polymer behavior without the need for lab testing samples. Polymer samples with varying concentrations, salinities, and hardness levels were prepared and polymer viscosity versus shear rate was measured using a rheometer. It was found that polymer preparation methods significantly affect the rheological properties of a sample and standard procedures ensure consistency. Predictive calculations were performed before lab testing samples so that the lab data could be compared to various models in order to determine their accuracy. A program was created to find constants of the polymer and to model polymer viscosity versus shear rate. This program also includes fitting parameters (specific for polymer type) that allow these calculations to be performed without the need for lab fitted data. Polymer rheology is dependent on a sample's composition, and its rheological properties can be easily and accurately modeled by the developed program. Various outdated programs relating to polymer EOR were also updated to meet modern standards and to improve their functionality.