Estimation of the hydrodynamic diameter of mobility-controlling polymers for chemical enhanced oil recovery based on dynamic viscosity

In polymer and surfactant-polymer flooding, water-soluble polymers are utilized to control mobility and improve flow profiles in low-concentration aqueous solutions. Their primary function is to increase the dynamic viscosity, thereby reducing the relative mobility between crude oil and formation water. A critical property of these polymers is their dynamic viscosity, which is influenced by their large molecular structure. This viscosity is analysed as a function of concentration, identifying a critical aggregation concentration at which polymer molecules occupy maximum space and interaction occurs. At this point, the hydrodynamic diameter can be determined. Recent research has focused on estimating the hydrodynamic diameter of polyacrylamide-based polymers in aqueous solutions using dynamic viscosity measurements. The developed method provides a rapid, resource-efficient approach requiring minimal instrumentation. This technique aids in polymer selection for CEOR processes, offering a practical tool for optimizing oil recovery strategies.