Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Cryogels for the Oil Industry

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents the results of studies of rheological properties of the initial viscous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol and ‘oil-in-water’ (O/W) emulsions. It is found that aqueous solutions of polymer and polymer-based colloidal systems have typical non-Newtonian properties. After the freeze-thaw cycle, the viscous liquid systems pass into a solid state of aggregation to form multicomponent cryogels with rubber-like structure. The elastic properties of two-component cryogels consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and water only, three-component compositions formed on the basis of an ‘aqueous PVA solution-mineral oil’ emulsion, and cryogels containing loose dispersed fillers are investigated. The physicochemical properties of the obtained elastic samples are studied. The prospects of application of cryogels for the oil producing well and road construction are outlined. A comparative analysis of physicomechanical properties of cryogels depending on the nature of the filler is carried out. In order to simulate the real conditions of oil field construction in the permafrost zone, samples of cryogels with solid dispersed fillers pre-wetted with oil are prepared and their mechanical and hydrophobic properties are investigated. Hydrophobic properties of cryogels make it possible to use them as waterproofing layer (membrane) in the construction of the asphalt pavement and insulation of the bottoms and walls of hydraulic structures. Cryogels can be recommended for use as polymer ‘pigs’ for removal of undesirable deposits in the pipeline during its cleaning or for pipeline pressure testing. In this case, ‘batching pigs’ are introduced to the boundary between hydrocarbon liquid and water.