Application and Optimization of Rheological Mathematical Models in Preparation and Injection Process of Polymer Flooding

Abstract

The impact of shear on the properties of polymer solutions is not fully accounted for in the simulation of conventional rheological models. To optimize the application of these mathematical models, the shear rheological characteristics of polyacrylamide at various concentrations were investigated under different shear rates and shear modes. The results indicate that pseudoplastic fluid polymers exhibit two distinct rheological characteristics within their "shear thinning" rate range. The critical shear rate at this threshold signifies the point at which shear stress begins to disrupt the structure of the polymer solution, resulting in a rheological curve that transitions from high to low shear rates without reverting back to a low-to-high state. The concentration of the solution has minimal effect on the critical shear rate of the polymer, which is primarily determined by the inherent properties of the polymer itself. The application of rheological models during preparation and injection processes can elucidate the effects of shear on polymers by analyzing changes in apparent viscosity. Furthermore, the rheological model following supercritical shear rates requires modifications to the consistency coefficient (K) and flow index (n) based on shear rheological data obtained from high to low shear rates.