Empirical Correlations for Viscosity of Polyacrylamide Solutions with the Effects of Concentration, Molecular Weight and Degree of Hydrolysis of Polymer

Abstract

In this study, an extensive experimental work has been conducted to develop a set of correlations to predict the viscosity of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide solutions. These correlations account for the individual as well as combined effects of four major parameters; namely, shear rate, concentration, molecular weight and degree of hydrolysis, on polymer solution viscosities. Viscosities of various polymers solutions have been measured. The power law model for the viscosity has been modified to accommodate these four major parameters on which the polymer viscosity is dependent. Non-linear regression analyses on the experimental data were performed to develop the correlations presented in this study. These correlations can be integrated into any reservoir simulator and also for the initial screening for the selection of the polymer for enhanced oil recovery processes.