Long-term stability prediction of polyacrylamide-type polymers at harsh conditions via thermogravimetric analysis

This study aims to apply thermogravimetric analysis technology to develop a facile way for long-term stability prediction of polyacrylamide-type polymers at high temperature and high salinity reservoir conditions, to maintain sufficient viscosity in chemical flooding. Pyrolysis behaviors in powder form and long-term stability in solution of nine polyacrylamide-type polymers were investigated. Activation energies of polymers determined by Coats-Redfern model were correlated with half-life from viscosity measurements to estimate stability at harsh conditions. Moreover, decomposition rates of polymer molecular weight present good correlations with halflives, and activation energies respectively, which indicates molecular weight reduction results in solution viscosity loss.

Automated summary

This study aims to develop a facile way for long-term stability prediction of polyacrylamide-type polymers at high temperature and high salinity reservoir conditions using thermogravimetric analysis technology. The pyrolysis behaviors and long-term stability in solution of nine polyacrylamide-type polymers were investigated. The activation energies of the polymers were correlated with half-life from viscosity measurements to estimate stability, and the decomposition rates of polymer molecular weight were found to have good correlations with half-lives and activation energies, indicating that molecular weight reduction results in solution viscosity loss.