Flow-induced-microgel adsorption of high-molecular weight polyacrylamides

In the current study, a new mechanism is proposed to attribute the apparent formation of residual multilayer under the name of flow-induced-microgel adsorption (FIMGA). According to the new mechanism, two criteria have to be satisfied for polymer multilayer formation: the formation of sizable shear-induced-microgel structures in the bulk of the solution, and sufficiently high adsorption energy of the polymer to the solid surface. The new understanding in view of this new mechanism will contribute to more successful applications of polymers in oilfields. It will also allow faster screening of the chemicals for a specific application which may warrant different characteristics of flow and adsorption. For example, polymers used in enhanced oil recovery should have high injectivity and low adsorption. On the other hand, high adsorption and thick residual polymer layers are the key for a successful use of polymers in water shut-off in oil and gas wells.