Application and Optimization of the Rheological Model for a Hydrophobically Associating Dendrimer Polymer

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Polymer flooding is a key enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique.
• Advancements in polymer synthesis improve solution performance for complex reservoirs.
• Increased polymer elasticity alters rheological behavior, impacting reservoir simulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop accurate rheological models for polymer solutions used in EOR.
• To incorporate viscoelastic properties into polymer flooding simulations.
• To establish precise limitation conditions for numerical modeling.

Main Methods:

• Rheological analysis of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) and dendritic hydrophobic association polymer (DHAP) solutions.
• Testing over a wide shear rate range (0.1–10,000 s⁻¹) using a rotating rheometer.
• Application of the Carreau rheological model and analysis of relaxation time spectra.

Main Results:

• Both HPAM and DHAP rheological curves fit the Carreau model.
• DHAP's structural viscosity significantly enhances solution elasticity and alters the elastic modulus.
• Experimental data showed high agreement with the nonlinear regression fitting curve of the Carreau model.

Conclusions:

• The Carreau model effectively describes the rheology of tested polymer solutions.
• Elastic characteristics are crucial and must be integrated into rheological constitutive equations.
• Accurate modeling requires considering the interplay of various test parameters for viscoelastic fluids.