1D Simulation of Polymer Flooding Including the Viscoelastic Effect of Polymer Solution

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SummarySimple simulation models are constructed to predict the performance of 1D polymer flooding. In the models, two phases of oil and polymer solution were assumed to be immiscible with each other. Because the displacing fluid was non-Newtonian, the BucldeyLeverett equation could be modified and a new approach developed to calculate fractional-flow curves. The rheological behavior of polymer solution was modeled with an Ellis type model and a viscoelastic model. To verify the models, two 1D flooding experiments were carried out on 2.8-cm-diameter, 47-cm-long, unconsolidated cores packed with glass beads (70/100 mesh). Porosities of the cores are about 37% and permeabilities are around 26 μm2. Two white mineral oils of viscosities 25 and 60 mPa·s and a 200-ppm polyacrylamide solution were used. In each experiment, polymer flooding was done after waterflooding. Initial water saturation was controlled to be almost the same at the start of each flood. The calculated polymer-flooding performances were compared with experimental data. The Ellis model predicted earlier breakthrough of polymer solution and lower oil recoveries than the experimental data. On the other hand, the viscoelastic model predicted fractional-flow curves, oil recovery performances, and breakthrough times of the experiments very well. The viscoelastic effect of polymer solution is thought to play an important role in the improvement of oil recovery.