Rheology of starch biopolymers for enhanced oil recovery Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • This paper describes rheological changes in selected modified starch products that affect their effectiveness as water-control agents in oil recovery applications. Waxy corn and tapioca starch solutions of concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 3% (w/v) were prepared in 0% to 6% NaCl concentrations, heated to 95 C, and allowed to cool to room temperature before testing. A Brookfield DVIII viscometer was used for the tests. For each sample, rheological parameters including temperature effects, shear-thinning and thixotropy indices were obtained. A statistical model was developed to describe viscosity as a function of shear rate, temperature, polymer and brine concentrations. Data obtained from rheological tests were input into a simulator to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of starch and polyacrylamide biopolymers in a prototype reservoir. The simulation model shows a 6-8% increase in oil recovery by changing from brine to polymer flooding. The results also show that additional substantial economic benefits could be obtained from the use of starch biopolymer flooding over polyacrylamide flooding.

name of conference

  • Paper - American Society of Agricultural Engineers

published proceedings

  • Paper - American Society of Agricultural Engineers

author list (cited authors)

  • Emesih, G. C., Moreira, R. G., & Barrufet, M. A.

complete list of authors

  • Emesih, GC||Moreira, RG||Barrufet, MA

publication date

  • December 1997