A critical analysis on the effects of xanthan gum properties and its derivatives in enhanced oil recovery

Abstract

Polymer flooding or mobility control techniques that focus on maintaining favorable mobility ratios can be used to improve volumetric sweep efficiency. The development of specialized polymer solutions optimizes the mobility ratio between the injected polymer solution and the oil or water bank being displaced in advance of the polymer. Because of its solid structure, lack of effect of salt on viscosity (unlike partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), which has a salinity influence on viscosity), and lack of effect of high temperatures, xanthan gum, also known as polysaccharide biopolymer, is the most frequently utilized. This research investigates many properties of xanthan gum, as well as its effectiveness with other polymers and the modifications made to improve its performance.