Polymer viscosifier systems with potential application for enhanced oil recovery: a review

Due to the growing demand for oil and large number of mature fields, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques are increasingly used increase recovery factor. Among chemical methods, use polymers stands out viscosity injection fluid harmonize advance this in reservoir provide greater sweep efficiency. Synthetic based on acrylamide widely EOR, with Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide (PHPA) being most. However, polymer has low stability under harsh conditions (High Temperature Salinity – HTHS). In order improve efficiency polymeric fluids these conditions, Hydrophobically Modified Associative Polymers (HMAPs) Thermo-Viscosifying (TVPs) developed. HMAPs contain small amounts hydrophobic groups their water-soluble chains, above Critical Association Concentration (CAC), form microdomains that solution. TVPs blocks or thermosensitive grafts self-assemble microdomains, substantially increasing solution’s viscosity. The performance systems is strongly influenced by group inserted structures, concentration, salinity temperature, among other factors. Furthermore, application nanoparticles investigated applied EOR. general, have excellent thermal tolerance along high viscosity, therefore Thus, can be considered promising agents enhanced applications such as temperature. Moreover, genetic programming artificial intelligence estimate important parameters engineering, process improvement, optimize flooding recovery.