Rheology and Permeability of Crosslinked Polyacrylamide Gel

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Rheology
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Polyacrylamide gels are widely used in various applications, including enhanced oil recovery and porous media modification.
• Understanding the relationship between gel properties and fluid flow is crucial for optimizing their performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the rheological properties of polyacrylamide gels crosslinked with chromium (III).
• To investigate the relationship between gel strength and steady-state water flow behavior.
• To develop a predictive model for water flow through gels in porous media.

Main Methods:

• Dynamic rheology studies were conducted to measure loss and storage moduli.
• Steady-state water flow experiments were performed in gel-filled capillary tubes.
• A theoretical model based on a dual domain structure was employed.

Main Results:

• Both loss and storage moduli increased with polymer concentration, indicating increased gel strength.
• Permeability was found to be dependent on water flow rate and polymer concentration.
• A power-law relationship was established between elasticity index and storage modulus, linking rheological and flow properties.

Conclusions:

• Gel strength, quantified by storage modulus, is a primary determinant of water permeability.
• A single parameter can characterize both rheological and flow properties of these gels.
• The findings have implications for predicting water flow in porous media treated with gels.