What is thermal stability of water soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) and partially hydrolyzed polymers?

Thermal stability of water-soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) polymers under various solution conditions have been studied utilizing Quantum Mechanics Density Functional Theory (DFT) computational modeling method.

Which polymers are used in oilfield applications?

Water-soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) polymers are among the most commonly used chemicals in oilfield applications.

Can Pam/HPAM polymers be applied in high-temperature/high-salinity reservoir conditions?

In order to apply PAM/HPAM polymers in high-temperature/high-salinity (HT/HS) reservoir conditions, it is important to mitigate cationic effects on hydrolysis and stability.

How long can a Pam polymer stay thermally stable?

A recent laboratory study conducted by Seright et al. indicated that a PAM polymer can remain thermally stable in the absence of dissolved oxygen and divalent cations, so that the HPAM solution is projected to maintain at least half of their original viscosity for over 8 years at 100 °C and about 2 years at 120 °C.

How do cations affect the hydrolysis of Pam/HPAM polymers?

These cations not only can form complexes (gels or precipitates) with the carboxylic groups with HAPM to alter their rheological and phase properties, they can also catalyze the amide hydrolysis reaction to increase the degree of hydrolysis of PAM/HPAM polymers.

Why are high molecular-weight Pam/HPAM used in hydraulic fracturing reservoir treatments?

In hydraulic fracturing reservoir treatments, high molecular-weight PAM/HPAM are used as friction reducers in order to minimize pumping power demands and to provide sufficient proppant-carrying capacity of fracturing fluids , , .