Polyacrylamide-Based Polymers for Slickwater Fracturing Fluids: A Review of Molecular Design, Drag Reduction...

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Polymer Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Slickwater fracturing enhances hydrocarbon recovery in low-permeability reservoirs.
• Polyacrylamide (PAM) polymers are vital additives, acting as drag reducers and thickeners.
• Conventional PAM degrades under high-temperature and high-salinity reservoir conditions, limiting performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review molecular design strategies for enhancing PAM performance stability in extreme downhole environments.
• To discuss methods for improving thermal stability and salt tolerance of PAM-based polymers.
• To explore drag reduction mechanisms and gelation methods for fracturing fluids.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of ultra-high-molecular-weight PAM.
• Copolymerization of PAM with resistant monomers.
• Incorporation of nanoparticles into PAM structures.
• Grafting of anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic side chains onto the PAM backbone.

Main Results:

• Molecular design enhances PAM stability against thermal degradation and high salinity.
• Modified PAM polymers exhibit improved performance in extreme reservoir conditions.
• Understanding drag reduction and gelation mechanisms is crucial for fluid design.

Conclusions:

• Next-generation PAM polymers are needed for extreme reservoir conditions.
• Advanced molecular design offers solutions for PAM performance limitations.
• This review provides insights for academic research and field applications in oil and gas recovery.