Abstract: A method of quantifying a viscoelastic effect of a polymer on residual oil saturation (Sor) including calculating an extensional capillary number (Nce) using flux, pore-scale apparent viscosity, and interfacial tension to account for the polymer's viscoelastic forces that are responsible for Sor reduction. The polymer is used polymer flooding during enhanced oil recovery. An extensional capillary number is calculated for a plurality of polymer materials, which are then compiled in a database. Also provided is a reservoir simulator for predicting the Sor reduction potential of the viscoelastic polymer, which includes a database of calculated extensional capillary numbers for a plurality of polymers. The database includes a curve generated from the calculated extensional capillary numbers for a plurality of polymers properties, flux rates, formation nature, oil viscosities, and rheological behaviors.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil embedded in an underground matrix adjacent a depleted oil reservoir includes injecting a mixture of polymeric material into the depleted oil reservoir through an injection borehole, applying a pressure to the mixture to free the oil from the matrix and move the oil towards a production well, and drawing the oil from the depleted oil reservoir through the production well. The method additionally includes modeling a shear thickening of the polymeric mixture and an onset of the shear thickening. The model can be incorporated into commercial numerical simulators for predicting the injectivity and recovery due to viscoelastic thickening independently and thereby assist in quick screening polymers for oil recovery applications.

Abstract: An improved method of recovering oil from a depleted oil reservoir wherein the oil is embedded in an underground matrix adjacent the depleted oil reservoir. The method includes injecting a mixture of polymeric material into the depleted oil reservoir through an injection borehole, applying a pressure to the mixture to free the oil from the matrix and move the oil towards a production well, and drawing the oil from the depleted oil reservoir through the production well. The improvement including modeling a shear thickening of the polymeric mixture and an onset of the shear thickening. The model can be incorporated into commercial numerical simulators for predicting the injectivity and recovery due to viscoelastic thickening independently and thereby assist in quick screening polymers for oil recovery applications.

Abstract: A method of quantifying a viscoelastic effect of a polymer on residual oil saturation (S or) including calculating an extensional capillary number (Nce) using flux, pore-scale apparent viscosity, and interfacial tension to account for the polymer's viscoelastic forces that are responsible for Sor reduction. The polymer is used polymer flooding during enhanced oil recovery. An extensional capillary number is calculated for a plurality of polymer materials, which are then compiled in a database. Also provided is a reservoir simulator for predicting the Sor reduction potential of the viscoelastic polymer, which includes a database of calculated extensional capillary numbers for a plurality of polymers. The database includes a curve generated from the calculated extensional capillary numbers for a plurality of polymers properties, flux rates, formation nature, oil viscosities, and rheological behaviors.