Effect of Nanoparticles on the Compressive Strength of Polymer Gels Used for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Abstract

The authors present the effect of lightweight metal nanofiller onto compressive strength of polymer gels used in enhanced oil recovery. A nondestructive method based on ultrasonic-wave passing was applied for compressive strength evaluation. The investigations revealed effect gain in strength of gel system by 65% with addition of nanoparticles. The evidence of nanoparticles’ uniform distribution was utilized by measurements of electrical conductivity changes and percolation task. The kinetic mechanism of nanofiller effect on gel forming and determination of inflection points has been presented and proved. On the basis of polymer consumption due to nanofiller usage, it appears that it is economically efficient.

Keywords:

• nanoparticles
• polymer gels
• compressive strength
• nondistructive method