Solution Association Characterization of Hydrophobically Associating Polyacrylamide Obtained from Produced Fluids

Abstract

The hydrophobically associating polyacrylamide (HAPAM) obtained from produced fluids with compositional homogeneity was systematically investigated by zero-shear viscosity, fluorescence, sand-pipes experiment and adsorption behavior. The results showed that HAPAM obtained from produced solution through porous media has been possession in hydrophobic association character. The critical association concentration (CAC) determined by viscosity method, fluorescence spectroscopy method and micro-pore method have no obvious change compared with the original polymer. The hydrophobic associative capability of HAPAM obtained from produced fluids was smaller than that of original HAPAM. Compared to original PAM and PAM obtained from produced fluids, HAPAM obtained from produced fluids still exhibits promising applied potential. It reveals the possibility that HAPAM obtained from produced could be re-used for enhance oil recovery.