Microfluidic Study of Enhanced Oil Recovery during Flooding with Polyacrylamide Polymer Solutions

A series of experiments have been carried out on the flooding of microfluidic chips simulating a homogeneous porous structure with various displacement fluids. Water and polyacrylamide polymer solutions were used as displacement fluids. Three different polyacrylamides with different properties are considered. The results of a microfluidic study of polymer flooding showed that the displacement efficiency increases significantly with increasing polymer concentration. Thus, when using a 0.1% polymer solution of polyacrylamide grade 2540, a 23% increase in the oil displacement efficiency was obtained compared to water. The study of the effect of various polymers on the efficiency of oil displacement showed that the maximum efficiency of oil displacement, other things being equal, can be achieved using polyacrylamide grade 2540, which has the highest charge density among those considered. Thus, when using polymer 2515 with a charge density of 10%, the oil displacement efficiency increased by 12.5% compared to water, while when using polymer 2540 with a charge density of 30%, the oil displacement efficiency increased by 23.6%.


Introduction
Polymer flooding constitutes one of the physicochemical methods for enhanced oil recovery [1]. The technology of the method is uncomplicated and superior to other chemical technologies due to relatively low risks. The application range of polymer flooding has significantly expanded in recent years; hence there are examples of their real application in the fields [2,3]. Polymer flooding comprises water injection with the addition of a polymer into the reservoir in order to improve sweep efficiency, which is achieved by increasing viscosity. The increased viscosity of water provides better mobility control between the injected water and the hydrocarbons in the reservoir [4].
The most common polymers for increasing viscosity are considered to be xanthan, hydrophobic associative polymers, polyacrylamides, etc. In the 1970s and 1980s, xanthan (a polysaccharide) generated considerable interest due to its salt resistance and resistance to mechanical decomposition [5]. However, neither inaccessibility nor high prices allowed xanthan to become competitive. What is also worth noting is that microbial degradation of biopolymers is a common problem, and there are still few works on controlling it with the help of proper processing.
In the second half of the last century, hydrophobic associative polymers began to be studied [6]. Associative polymers can provide low viscosity at low temperatures (i.e., near injection wells) and higher viscosity outside the thermal front in the formation (closer to the polymer-oil displacement front). The main concerns with the use of hydrophobic To prepare polymer solutions, distilled water was heated to 60-65 • C; a weighed portion of the polymer was slowly poured into a glass beaker with a small part of the water being stirred with an OFITE magnetic stirrer (OFITE, Houston, TX, USA). This solution was subsequently diluted to the required volume and was kept on a magnetic stirrer for 30 min. Then, it was placed on a HAMILTON BEACH (OFITE, Houston, TX, USA) high-speed stirrer for more intensive mixing in order to prevent the formation of polymer clots in the bulk of the solution. The measurements were carried out at 25 • C.
The viscosity coefficient was measured as a function of the shear rate of the studied solutions using a Brookfield DV2T (Brookfield Engineering, Berwyn, IL, USA) rotational viscometer at a temperature of 25 • C according to the method described in [22,23]. The viscosity at a fixed shear rate was obtained by averaging three independent repetitions.

Crude Oil
The experiments used an oil sample with a density of 852 kg/m 3 and a viscosity of 17.8 mPa s. The content of various organic and inorganic substances and their compounds was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FT-IR method is based on the microscopic interaction of infrared light with a chemical substance through an absorption process, and as a result, gives a spectrum unique to a chemical substance, serving as a "molecular imprint" [24]. Figure 1 shows the absorption spectra of various oil samples taken with an IR-Fourier spectrometer Nicolet 6700 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). The optical density at the maximum of the absorption bands was determined, as well as the spectral coefficients (see Table 2): C 1 = D 1600 /D 720 (aromatics); C 2 = D 1710 /D 1465 (oxidation); C 3 = D 1380 /D 1465 (branching); C 4 = (D 720 + D 1380 )/D 1600 (aliphatic); and C 5 = D 1030 /D 1465 (sulfur content). The elemental composition of oil was determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry Axios-MAX (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, West Midlands, UK) [25] (see Table 3).  The elemental composition of oil was determined by X-ray fluorescen Axios-MAX (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, West Midlands, UK) [25] (see Table 3. The elemental composition of oil by XRF.

Chemical Element
Intensity, imp Ca 132 S 2484

Contact Angle and Interfacial Tension
Interfacial tension σ and contact angle θ were studied using the te ploited earlier [26]. The measurements were carried out using an autom IFT-10 (Core Laboratories, Houston, TX, USA) based on the pendant dr interfacial tension σ was determined from the geometric parameters of a h in the test solution. The contact angle θ was measured by the trapped bub contact angle and interfacial tension were both measured using the DropI software (Ramé-hart instrument co., Succasunna, NJ, USA). Interfacial ten angle were measured five times. Then, the data were averaged.

Microfluidic Chip and Experimental Procedure
A microfluidic chip (Dolomite, London, Greater London, UK) imita structure of the rock was used in our work (Figure 2a). The size of the mic 92.5 × 15.0 mm 2 and 4 mm thick, and the porous area of the chip is 10 × 60 m area is formed by repeating (150 times) a 2 × 2 mm 2 square (Figure 2b). T of channels in a square is a grid of 8 × 8 channels, which have an almos section (channel depth and width of 100 µm and 110 µm, respectively). the grid have constrictions that are randomly distributed to simulate the n

Contact Angle and Interfacial Tension
Interfacial tension σ and contact angle θ were studied using the technique we exploited earlier [26]. The measurements were carried out using an automatic tensiometer IFT-10 (Core Laboratories, Houston, TX, USA) based on the pendant drop method. The interfacial tension σ was determined from the geometric parameters of a hanging oil drop in the test solution. The contact angle θ was measured by the trapped bubble method. The contact angle and interfacial tension were both measured using the DropImage Advanced software (Ramé-hart instrument co., Succasunna, NJ, USA). Interfacial tension and contact angle were measured five times. Then, the data were averaged.

Microfluidic Chip and Experimental Procedure
A microfluidic chip (Dolomite, London, Greater London, UK) imitating the porous structure of the rock was used in our work ( Figure 2a). The size of the microfluidic chip is 92.5 × 15.0 mm 2 and 4 mm thick, and the porous area of the chip is 10 × 60 mm 2 . The porous area is formed by repeating (150 times) a 2 × 2 mm 2 square (Figure 2b). The arrangement of channels in a square is a grid of 8 × 8 channels, which have an almost elliptical cross-section (channel depth and width of 100 µm and 110 µm, respectively). The channels in the grid have constrictions that are randomly distributed to simulate the natural structure of the rock. The grid contains 38 pores with Ø63 µm, 40 pores with Ø85 µm, and 50 straight channels. The microfluidic device with the characteristic dimensions of the porous structure presented was chosen to model the complex structure of porous sandstone rocks. It is known that sandstone is characterized by relatively high permeability and porosity compared to other types of rock [27].
A detailed description of the experiment is presented in [28]. The installation scheme is shown in Figure 3. The displacement fluid flow was controlled using a multichannel high-performance microfluidic pressure controller (Elveflow, Paris, Île-de-France, France). The controller is equipped with two pressure channels up to 8 bar. Pressure maintenance accuracy is 100 Pa, and response and pressure setting time is 35 ms. The controller requires an external pressure source (compressor) to operate. Compressed air from the pressure controller enters a sealed reservoir with the displacement fluid under test. The microfluidic chip is connected to the reservoir with a 1/16" OD PTFE tube and placed horizontally on a glass table. A light source is installed below the table, whereas a high-speed camera is installed above. A detailed description of the experiment is presented in [28]. The installation scheme is shown in Figure 3. The displacement fluid flow was controlled using a multichannel high-performance microfluidic pressure controller (Elveflow, Paris, Île-de-France, France). The controller is equipped with two pressure channels up to 8 bar. Pressure maintenance accuracy is 100 Pa, and response and pressure setting time is 35 ms. The controller requires an external pressure source (compressor) to operate. Compressed air from the pressure controller enters a sealed reservoir with the displacement fluid under test. The microfluidic chip is connected to the reservoir with a 1/16″ OD PTFE tube and placed horizontally on a glass table. A light source is installed below the table, whereas a highspeed camera is installed above. A fluid flow sensor MFS (Elveflow, Paris, Île-de-France, France) was used, operating in the range from 0.03 to 1000 µL/min with an accuracy of ±5% of the measured value, the sensor response time was up to 70 ms. A pressure sensor MPS (Elveflow, Paris, Île-de-France, France) was also used, measuring in the range from −15 to 100 psi, with an accuracy of ±0.2% of the maximum value.
The following is a description of the procedure for conducting a microfluidic experiment. The empty chip was first completely filled with oil, and then the displacement fluid flooding process took place at a fixed flow rate. Several pore volumes were pumped. The picture of the flooding process was recorded by a high-speed camera. After each experiment, the microfluidic chip was successively thoroughly washed with dichloroethane, isopropanol, distilled water, and purged with air.

Rheology of Polymer Solutions
Adding polymers to water increases the viscosity of the solution. It is known that polymer solutions of polyacrylamide exhibit non-Newtonian properties. Polymer solutions of polyacrylamides are shear-thinning fluids [29]. This means that the viscosity of the solution depends on the shear rate. Therefore, the dependence of the viscosity of PAA  A detailed description of the experiment is presented in [28]. The installation scheme is shown in Figure 3. The displacement fluid flow was controlled using a multichannel high-performance microfluidic pressure controller (Elveflow, Paris, Île-de-France, France). The controller is equipped with two pressure channels up to 8 bar. Pressure maintenance accuracy is 100 Pa, and response and pressure setting time is 35 ms. The controller requires an external pressure source (compressor) to operate. Compressed air from the pressure controller enters a sealed reservoir with the displacement fluid under test. The microfluidic chip is connected to the reservoir with a 1/16″ OD PTFE tube and placed horizontally on a glass table. A light source is installed below the table, whereas a highspeed camera is installed above. A fluid flow sensor MFS (Elveflow, Paris, Île-de-France, France) was used, operating in the range from 0.03 to 1000 µL/min with an accuracy of ±5% of the measured value, the sensor response time was up to 70 ms. A pressure sensor MPS (Elveflow, Paris, Île-de-France, France) was also used, measuring in the range from −15 to 100 psi, with an accuracy of ±0.2% of the maximum value.
The following is a description of the procedure for conducting a microfluidic experiment. The empty chip was first completely filled with oil, and then the displacement fluid flooding process took place at a fixed flow rate. Several pore volumes were pumped. The picture of the flooding process was recorded by a high-speed camera. After each experiment, the microfluidic chip was successively thoroughly washed with dichloroethane, isopropanol, distilled water, and purged with air.

Rheology of Polymer Solutions
Adding polymers to water increases the viscosity of the solution. It is known that polymer solutions of polyacrylamide exhibit non-Newtonian properties. Polymer solutions of polyacrylamides are shear-thinning fluids [29]. This means that the viscosity of the solution depends on the shear rate. Therefore, the dependence of the viscosity of PAA A fluid flow sensor MFS (Elveflow, Paris, Île-de-France, France) was used, operating in the range from 0.03 to 1000 µL/min with an accuracy of ±5% of the measured value, the sensor response time was up to 70 ms. A pressure sensor MPS (Elveflow, Paris, Îlede-France, France) was also used, measuring in the range from −15 to 100 psi, with an accuracy of ±0.2% of the maximum value.
The following is a description of the procedure for conducting a microfluidic experiment. The empty chip was first completely filled with oil, and then the displacement fluid flooding process took place at a fixed flow rate. Several pore volumes were pumped. The picture of the flooding process was recorded by a high-speed camera. After each experiment, the microfluidic chip was successively thoroughly washed with dichloroethane, isopropanol, distilled water, and purged with air.

Rheology of Polymer Solutions
Adding polymers to water increases the viscosity of the solution. It is known that polymer solutions of polyacrylamide exhibit non-Newtonian properties. Polymer solutions of polyacrylamides are shear-thinning fluids [29]. This means that the viscosity of the solution depends on the shear rate. Therefore, the dependence of the viscosity of PAA polymer solutions on the shear rate was determined. Figure 4 represents the results of determining such dependencies for solutions with different concentrations of polymer A2020. Figure 4 shows that the addition of PAA to water led to an increase in the viscosity of the solution, and it increased significantly with increasing concentration. polymer solutions on the shear rate was determined. Figure 4 represents the results determining such dependencies for solutions with different concentrations of polym A2020. Figure 4 shows that the addition of PAA to water led to an increase in the viscos of the solution, and it increased significantly with increasing concentration. The change in the shear rate has a greater effect on the viscosity values with an crease in the concentration of the polymer in the solution; the viscosity of the soluti decreases with an increase in the shear rate. As for a PAA concentration of 0.01%, the pendence of viscosity on the shear rate is less pronounced compared to concentration 0.05 and 0.1%.
The rheology of polymer solutions has a pseudo-plastic behavior. Approximation the curves of viscosity versus shear rate by the least squares method shows that the r ology of the considered polymer solutions is best described by the two parametric mo proposed by Ostwald [30]: where µ is viscosity, γ is shear rate, kv is consistency index, n is flow behavior index. C culations of rheological parameters (approximation of the viscosity curve) were carr out using the MathCad software (PTC Inc., Boston, MA, USA). The coefficient of deter nation R 2 was higher than 0.999.
Studies of the rheological characteristics of A2020 polymer solutions have been c ried out. The following regularities were revealed when studying the rheological para eters of solutions. An increase in the proportion of the polymer in the solution significan affects the rheological characteristics, which are shown in Figure 5. The consistency ind increases with an increase in polymer concentration, while the exponent of the pow model, on the contrary, decreases. The change in the shear rate has a greater effect on the viscosity values with an increase in the concentration of the polymer in the solution; the viscosity of the solutions decreases with an increase in the shear rate. As for a PAA concentration of 0.01%, the dependence of viscosity on the shear rate is less pronounced compared to concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1%.
The rheology of polymer solutions has a pseudo-plastic behavior. Approximation of the curves of viscosity versus shear rate by the least squares method shows that the rheology of the considered polymer solutions is best described by the two parametric model proposed by Ostwald [30]: where µ is viscosity, γ is shear rate, k v is consistency index, n is flow behavior index. Calculations of rheological parameters (approximation of the viscosity curve) were carried out using the MathCad software (PTC Inc., Boston, MA, USA). The coefficient of determination R 2 was higher than 0.999.
Studies of the rheological characteristics of A2020 polymer solutions have been carried out. The following regularities were revealed when studying the rheological parameters of solutions. An increase in the proportion of the polymer in the solution significantly affects the rheological characteristics, which are shown in Figure 5. The consistency index increases with an increase in polymer concentration, while the exponent of the power model, on the contrary, decreases. Similar measurements were conducted for polymer solutions containing polyacrylamide of different brands. The mass concentration was 0.1%. The value of the viscosity of solutions with a concentration of 0.1% decreases for samples of all polymers with an increase in the shear rate (see Figure 6). This dependence is most pronounced for PAA 2540; the viscosity changes slightly with varying shear rates for PAA 2515. Similar measurements were conducted for polymer solutions containing polyacrylamide of different brands. The mass concentration was 0.1%. The value of the viscosity of solutions with a concentration of 0.1% decreases for samples of all polymers with an increase in the shear rate (see Figure 6). This dependence is most pronounced for PAA 2540; the viscosity changes slightly with varying shear rates for PAA 2515. Similar measurements were conducted for polymer solutions containing polya mide of different brands. The mass concentration was 0.1%. The value of the viscos solutions with a concentration of 0.1% decreases for samples of all polymers with crease in the shear rate (see Figure 6). This dependence is most pronounced for PAA the viscosity changes slightly with varying shear rates for PAA 2515. A study of the rheological characteristics of 0.1% solutions of polymers of va brands showed that the highest value of the consistency index is observed in the so of PAA 2540, and the exponent of the power model for this brand of PAA is the low addition, the lowest value of the viscosity of a 0.1% solution is observed for PAA while the exponent is higher than for other PAAs. A comparison of rheological param is presented in Figure 7. A study of the rheological characteristics of 0.1% solutions of polymers of various brands showed that the highest value of the consistency index is observed in the solution of PAA 2540, and the exponent of the power model for this brand of PAA is the lowest. In addition, the lowest value of the viscosity of a 0.1% solution is observed for PAA 2515, while the exponent is higher than for other PAAs. A comparison of rheological parameters is presented in Figure 7.

Wettability Characteristics
Wettability is of great interest for various scientific and industrial applications such as oil extraction, printing, painting, or coating [31]. Wettability describes the balance of interfacial interactions for a solid/liquid system. From a thermodynamic point of view, such a balance can be expressed by the Young equation [32]: where θ is the equilibrium contact angle, γ are interfacial (or surface) tensions, s refers to the solid phase, and f1 and f2 refer to the two fluid phases.
The solid/fluid surface tension ( and ) cannot be measured directly. There-

Wettability Characteristics
Wettability is of great interest for various scientific and industrial applications such as oil extraction, printing, painting, or coating [31]. Wettability describes the balance of interfacial interactions for a solid/liquid system. From a thermodynamic point of view, such a balance can be expressed by the Young equation [32]: where θ is the equilibrium contact angle, γ are interfacial (or surface) tensions, s refers to the solid phase, and f 1 and f 2 refer to the two fluid phases. The solid/fluid surface tension (γ s f 2 and γ s f 1 ) cannot be measured directly. Therefore, the one measure of the wettability of a particular liquid is the contact angle. The measurement of the contact angle of a drop on the surface is used as a rapid assessment of the wettability characteristics of the rock. In this case, the angle is estimated between the tangent to the solid-liquid and liquid-liquid interfaces on the three-phase contact line. Hydrophilic (water-attracting) systems are systems in which the contact angle is less than 90 • ; in hydrophobic (water-repelling), on the contrary, the contact angle is more than 90 • .
The effect of polymers on the interfacial tension at the interface "oil-displacing liquid" and the contact angle of the system "displacing liquid-oil-surface" is studied. Slides were used as samples.
The determination of the wetting angle in the system polymer solution-oil-rock was carried out. Figure 8 shows typical photographs for determining the contact angle. The contact angle in the water-oil-surface system was found to be 106 • (see Figure 8a). As for polymer solutions, there was an increase in the contact angle, which constituted 161 • when using a 0.1% solution of polyacrylamide 2540. As for all considered 0.1% polymer solutions, close values of the contact angle were obtained. The interfacial tension in the oil-polymer system was measured. Figure 9 depicts photographs of an oil drop in various liquids (water and polymer solutions). The study of the wettability characteristics of polymer solutions showed the following. The addition of the polymer produces a minuscule effect on the interfacial tension, which only slightly increased compared to water. The results of determining the wetting angle and interfacial tension are summarized in Table 4. The interfacial tension in the oil-polymer system was measured. Figure 9 depicts photographs of an oil drop in various liquids (water and polymer solutions). The study of the wettability characteristics of polymer solutions showed the following. The addition of the polymer produces a minuscule effect on the interfacial tension, which only slightly increased compared to water. The results of determining the wetting angle and interfacial tension are summarized in Table 4.
The interfacial tension in the oil-polymer system was measured. Figure 9 depicts photographs of an oil drop in various liquids (water and polymer solutions). The study of the wettability characteristics of polymer solutions showed the following. The addition of the polymer produces a minuscule effect on the interfacial tension, which only slightly increased compared to water. The results of determining the wetting angle and interfacial tension are summarized in Table 4.

Microfluidic Oil Displacement by Polymer Solutions
A series of microfluidic experiments on oil displacement using polymer solutions has been carried out. An oil sample, as well as several solutions of polyacrylamide polymers, were used as displacement fluids. The solution flow rate was 0.5 µL/min. Figures 10-12 show the patterns of oil displacement by solutions with different concentrations of polymer 2540. As can be seen from Figure 10, the front of the solution with a low concentration of polymer 2540 (0.01%) moves uniformly at the beginning of the oil displacement process, and then it begins to change: viscous fingers are formed due to an unstable polymer solution-oil interface. However, the displacement process changes when flooding with solutions with a higher concentration of polymer 2540 (see, for example, Figures 11 and 12). The polymer solution displacement front is broad and uniform.
As shown in Figure 10, a 0.01% solution of 2540 breaks through at the exit of the micromodel approximately by the 35th minute. Until this time, the oil displacement efficiency increases almost linearly in proportion to the flow rate of the solution. After the breakthrough of the solution, the flow is established, and the oil displacement coefficient remains practically unchanged in the future. The coefficient of oil displacement from the microfluidic chip with 0.01% solution 2540 was 47%, while in the case of displacement with water, it was 44% (Figure 13). Once the oil displacement process is established (see the last photographs of Figure 10), there are large areas filled with oil. polymer solution 2540 0.

Microfluidic Oil Displacement by Polymer Solutions
A series of microfluidic experiments on oil displacement using polymer solutions has been carried out. An oil sample, as well as several solutions of polyacrylamide polymers, were used as displacement fluids. The solution flow rate was 0.5 µL/min. Figures 10-12 show the patterns of oil displacement by solutions with different concentrations of polymer 2540. As can be seen from Figure 10, the front of the solution with a low concentration of polymer 2540 (0.01%) moves uniformly at the beginning of the oil displacement process, and then it begins to change: viscous fingers are formed due to an unstable polymer solution-oil interface. However, the displacement process changes when flooding with solutions with a higher concentration of polymer 2540 (see, for example, Figures 11 and 12). The polymer solution displacement front is broad and uniform.    As shown in Figure 10, a 0.01% solution of 2540 breaks through at the exit of the micromodel approximately by the 35th minute. Until this time, the oil displacement efficiency increases almost linearly in proportion to the flow rate of the solution. After the breakthrough of the solution, the flow is established, and the oil displacement coefficient remains practically unchanged in the future. The coefficient of oil displacement from the microfluidic chip with 0.01% solution 2540 was 47%, while in the case of displacement with water, it was 44% ( Figure 13). Once the oil displacement process is established (see the last photographs of Figure 10), there are large areas filled with oil.  Supplementary Files (Figures S3-S5).
It has been established that there is a correlation between the charge density of polyacrylamide and the efficiency of oil displacement (Figures 14 and 15). Thus, when using polymer 2515 with a charge density of 10%, the oil displacement efficiency increased by 12.5% compared to water, while the oil displacement efficiency increased by 23.6% when using polymer 2540 with a charge density of 30%.  As shown in Figure 10, a 0.01% solution of 2540 breaks through at th micromodel approximately by the 35th minute. Until this time, the oil displa ciency increases almost linearly in proportion to the flow rate of the solutio breakthrough of the solution, the flow is established, and the oil displacemen remains practically unchanged in the future. The coefficient of oil displacem microfluidic chip with 0.01% solution 2540 was 47%, while in the case of d with water, it was 44% ( Figure 13). Once the oil displacement process is esta the last photographs of Figure 10), there are large areas filled with oil. It has been established that there is a correlation between the charge den acrylamide and the efficiency of oil displacement (Figures 14 and 15). Thus, polymer 2515 with a charge density of 10%, the oil displacement efficiency i 12.5% compared to water, while the oil displacement efficiency increased by using polymer 2540 with a charge density of 30%.  Supplementary Files (Figures S3-S5).
It has been established that there is a correlation between the charge density of polyacrylamide and the efficiency of oil displacement (Figures 14 and 15). Thus, when using polymer 2515 with a charge density of 10%, the oil displacement efficiency increased by 12.5% compared to water, while the oil displacement efficiency increased by 23.6% when using polymer 2540 with a charge density of 30%.

Conclusions
A study of polyacrylamide polymer solutions has been carried out. The rheology of polymer solutions has been measured. As a result, polyacrylamide solutions are pseudoplastic; their rheology is described by a power law. As for the wettability characteristics of polymer solutions, the addition of the polymer does not have a prominent effect on the interfacial tension. The interfacial tension at the interface between polymer solutions and oil slightly increased compared to water. At the same time, the polymer addition has a more significant effect on the wetting angle.

Conclusions
A study of polyacrylamide polymer solutions has been carried out. The rheology of polymer solutions has been measured. As a result, polyacrylamide solutions are pseudoplastic; their rheology is described by a power law. As for the wettability characteristics of polymer solutions, the addition of the polymer does not have a prominent effect on the interfacial tension. The interfacial tension at the interface between polymer solutions and oil slightly increased compared to water. At the same time, the polymer addition has a more significant effect on the wetting angle.

Conclusions
A study of polyacrylamide polymer solutions has been carried out. The rheology of polymer solutions has been measured. As a result, polyacrylamide solutions are pseudoplastic; their rheology is described by a power law. As for the wettability characteristics of polymer solutions, the addition of the polymer does not have a prominent effect on the interfacial tension. The interfacial tension at the interface between polymer solutions and oil slightly increased compared to water. At the same time, the polymer addition has a more significant effect on the wetting angle.
A series of experiments on flooding microfluidic chips imitating a homogeneous porous structure with water and polyacrylamide polymer solutions has been carried out. Additions of water-soluble polyacrylamides increase the viscosity of water injected into porous media. This, in turn, reduces the mobility ratio between oil and water and, thereby, increases the oil displacement efficiency. The results of the microfluidic study showed that the displacement efficiency increases significantly with increasing polymer concentration. Thus, a 23% increase in the oil displacement efficiency was obtained compared to water when using a 0.1% solution of polymer 2540. The study of the effect of various polymers on the oil displacement efficiency showed that the maximum efficiency of oil displacement, other things being equal, can be achieved using a 2540 polymer, which has the highest charge density of polyacrylamide among the considered ones.
Microfluidic studies can significantly speed up laboratory tests, reduce their cost and increase their accuracy. Our current work was aimed at studying the behavior of twophase flow (polymer solution-oil) in a porous microfluidic chip imitating sandstone during flooding. The advantage of polymer solutions is their rheology. However, there are other flooding fluids available. In further work, we will study the flows of various water-based nanofluids with silicon oxide and aluminum oxide nanoparticles. The goal is to see the effect of nanoparticle size and morphology on displacement efficiency. It is hoped that our future experimental results will provide useful data for comparing traditional displacement fluids (polymer, surfactant, etc.) with nanofluids.
Supplementary Materials: The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https:// www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/mi14061137/s1, Figure S1: Photographs of the displacement process of an oil sample with a solution of polymer A2020 with a concentration of 0.1%; Figure S2: Photographs of the process of displacing an oil sample with a polymer 2515 solution with a concentration of 0.1%; Figure S3: Photographs of the remaining oil distribution in the microfluidic chip after injection of a solution with different concentrations of polymer 2540; Figure S4: Photographs of the remaining oil distribution in the microfluidic chip after injection of a solution with different concentrations of polymer A2020; Figure S5