Amphiphilic Macromolecule for High-Temperature Oil Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The viscosifying properties and viscosity stability of polymer solutions used in tertiary oil recovery are compromised by high temperatures and high salinity, leading to decreased effectiveness in heavy oil exploitation due to increased adsorption on rock surfaces and shear degradation, which affects the ability to maintain solution viscosity and emulsification.
Innovation Solution
An amphiphilic macromolecule with specific structural units, including (meth)acrylamide and (meth)acrylic monomers, highly sterically hindered cyclic hydrocarbon structures, and amphiphilic units, which form a steric network structure to resist temperature and salinity effects, maintaining solution viscosity and enhancing emulsification and dispersion capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrophobic group content or molecular weight is increased to resist high temperature and high salinity, then temperature and salinity resistance is improved, but dissolving capacity deteriorates and dissolving time increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing hydrophobic groups at specific local positions on the polyacrylamide chain rather than uniformly throughout. The hydrophobic group content is controlled at 0.1-10 mol%, creating localized hydrophobic segments that provide temperature and salinity resistance while maintaining overall chain solubility and dissolving capacity.
2Reliability
If hydrophobic group content or molecular weight is increased to resist high temperature and high salinity, then temperature and salinity resistance is improved, but adsorption on rock surface increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the polymer by introducing amphiphilic structural units with specific hydrophobic groups (such as alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl groups with 1-20 carbon atoms) at controlled concentrations. This parameter change modifies the polymer's interaction with rock surfaces, reducing excessive adsorption while maintaining viscosifying capacity under high temperature and salinity conditions.
3Reliability
If polymer solution viscosity is maintained under high temperature and high salinity, then viscosifying capacity is improved, but shear degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite macromolecular structure combining hydrophilic polyacrylamide chains with hydrophobic structural units. This composite structure forms a sterically hindered network that provides both viscosity stability under high temperature and salinity conditions and enhanced resistance to shear degradation, as the hydrophobic segments reinforce the polymer backbone.
4Productivity
If heavy oil viscosity is reduced for easier flow, then fluidity is improved, but emulsification capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning hydrophobic groups at specific locations along the polymer chain, creating localized emulsification zones that interact with heavy oil components. These localized hydrophobic segments reduce oil viscosity through targeted interaction while the overall amphiphilic structure maintains emulsification capability, enabling both improved flow and sustained emulsification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The amphiphilic macromolecule maintains viscosifying capacity and stability under high temperature and high salinity conditions, effectively reducing heavy oil viscosity and enhancing crude oil recovery by forming a steric network structure that resists shear degradation and adsorption on rock surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
by introducing a small amount of hydrophobic groups on the hydrophilic macromolecular chains, an intramolecular or intermolecular hydrophobic interaction is generated, rendering the macromolecules to form a steric network structure, and thus has a remarkable viscosifying effect
Implementation Method 2
the increase of the adsorption amount of this polymer on the surface of rocks also decreases the valid concentration of the solution, resulting in a decline of the solution viscosity
Data Source
AI summary
Amphiphilic macromolecules having repeating structural units: structural units to adjust molecular weight and molecular weight distribution and charging property effects, high stereo-hindrance structural units, and amphiphilic structural units, which are suitable for fields such as oil field well drilling, well cementation, fracturing, oil gathering and transfer, sewage treatment, sludge treatment and papermaking, etc., and can be used as an oil-displacing agent for enhanced oil production, a heavy oil viscosity reducer, a fracturing fluid, a clay stabilizing agent, a sewage treatment agent, a papermaking retention and drainage aid or a reinforcing agent, etc.