Mechanisms of polymer retention in porous media

Abstract

Polymer flooding is one of the main enhanced oil recovery methods that have been actively used since the late 1960s. However, despite the significant gained experience of both laboratory and field research, this technology still continues to develop from year to year, revealing more and more new factors and challenges that are necessary aspects for successful implementation. Estimation of retained polymer amount by the porous medium is one of the key factors. The article discusses the main mechanisms and factors affecting retention process, as well as methods for determining the amount of retained polymer when flooding the solution through porous medium in laboratory conditions.