The chemical instability of Polyacrylamide polymer during both polymer and micellar-polymer flooding can seriously affect flood performance. Results of this study utilizing special laboratory techniques and long-term tests to simulate conditions typical of petroleum reservoirs show the effects of key variables on chemical stability. The rate and extent of degradation are governed most by oxygen content (although limited oxygen produces only limited degradation) and temperature. Metal ions, pH, and redox reactions can also have a major influence on degradation.
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