ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY WITH HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYVINYLAMINE FORMED IN-SITU

摘要

The recovery of oil or gas from underground porous formations bearing such hydrocarbons is enhanced by using an injection fluid containing a viscosifying amount of a poly(vinylamine) formed in-situ by hydrolysis of a high molecular weight poly(N-vinylamide). The hydrolysis conditions are strongly acidic or highly alkaline and include the elevated temperature of the formation. The poly(N-vinylamide), such as poly(N-vinylformamide), can be made by inverse emulsion polymerization and the high solids emulsion mixed directly with the acidic or basic solutions to form the injection fluid. The process is applicable to enhanced oil recovery using fluids for water-flooding, well completion or workover, and acidifying or fracturing.