Development and Evaluation of Locally Made Polymer for Improved Oil Recovery

Abstract

Hydrocarbons recoveries from matured fileds require enhancement. This is because matured oil fields have undergone pressure depletions. Polymer injection is a proven means of hydrocarbon recovery enhancement. Therefore, search for polymer materials and preparations of polymer, in the vicinity of matured field is the focus of this study. A lead was found in a starch and investigated to cassava tubers. Cassava starch are brine - water soluble, and are used for favorable mobility control. Laboratory tests were conducted for starch solubility and stability at predetermined saline environment and selected ‘reservoir’ temperature and pressure. Physico - chemical properties and other characteristics of the locally sourced polymer were guided by branded commercial polymers. In all, ten batches of laboratory core flooding excercises were conducted on oil-soaked cores, with five different brine concentrations, followed by another five-cassava starch polymer of concentration 0.00 g/l, 4.35 g/L, 5.13 g/L, 7.02 g/L, and 8.81 g/L. The respective polymer viscosities were 0 cp, 1.28 cp, 2.25 cp, 3.30 cp, and 4.15 cp. While the oil sample of 24.27°API at a temparture of 33°C, was used throughout. Respectively, a displacement efficiency of 51.86 %, 51.86 %, 51.85 %, 51.85 %, and 51.86 % were obtained as results.