Effect of HMP-C₁₆AM on Enhancing Heavy Oil Recovery by Emulsification

Abstract

The hydrophobically modified polymer with N-hexadecylacrylamide (C 16 AM) as hydrophobic group (HMP-C 16 AM) is the most widely used polymeric emulsifier in oil fields. Given its amphiphilic property, aqueous HMP-C 16 AM solution can form a stable emulsion with the oil phase under the action of shear force. In this study, we investigated the emulsifying property of HMP-C 16 AM for heavy oil from multiple angles. First, the properties of the heavy oil emulsion using HMP-C 16 AM were studied under different conditions. Second, a glass-etched visual micromodel was further applied to study the emulsification of heavy oil in the pore throat during the HMP-C 16 AM flooding. Results showed that the increased stability of the heavy oil emulsion resulted in the small average particle size of oil droplets and increased the viscosity and the viscoelasticity. The combined system of low-salinity water and HMP-C 16 AM improved the stability of the heavy oil emulsion. As shown by the microscopic oil displacement test, the heavy oil was emulsified in the pore throat, and the heavy oil recovery was enhanced remarkably in the outlet and edge regions of the micromodel after the HMP-C 16 AM flooding. The study provides theoretical guidance for the next field experiment.

Preparation and Properties of Temperature-Sensitive P(NIPAM-AM) Nano–Microspheres in Enhanced Oil Recovery

“…In mature reservoirs, the formation of high-permeability areas and low-permeability areas leads to reservoir heterogeneity. Using traditional oil displacement agents such as high molecular weight polyacrylamide to improve the mobility ratio of water–oil is a common technical means. − However, the heterogeneity of the formation makes it difficult for polymer flooding agents to enter low permeability areas and results in high water production and the continuous reduction of oil recovery. − At this stage, approximately 70% of the remaining oil exists in the low permeability zone. Therefore, improving the oil recovery in the low permeability zone is one of the important strategic directions to enhance the overall oil recovery. − …”