
PAM for Oilfield EOR & Drilling
Oilfield operations demand polymers that hold viscosity under high salinity, high temperature, and shear. Our partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) and specialty anionic PAM grades (8–25M MW) are used for polymer flooding (EOR), water-based drilling fluid viscosity and shale inhibition, and as friction reducers / gelling agents in hydraulic fracturing. Grades are selected by reservoir salinity, temperature, and the specific duty.
Polymer Selection by Oilfield Duty
Recommended PAM/PHPA grade and dosage for common oilfield applications
| Duty | Recommended Grade | Dosage & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer flooding / EOR | PHPA 18–25M MW, 25–30% HD | 300–1,500 ppm; max sweep efficiency |
| High-salinity reservoir | Salt-tolerant PHPA | Holds viscosity at 30,000+ ppm TDS |
| Drilling fluid viscosifier | PHPA 8–15M MW, 5–15% HD | 1–4 kg/m³; shale inhibition |
| Slickwater fracturing | Anionic FR grade, 12–18M MW | 0.5–2 gpt; friction reduction >65% |
| Gelled fracturing fluid | High MW anionic PAM | 2–5 kg/m³; proppant carrying |
| High-temperature well (>90°C) | Thermal-stable special grade | Stable to 120°C; custom order |
Technical Parameters
| Application | EOR polymer flooding, drilling fluid, fracturing |
| Recommended Type | PHPA / anionic PAM |
| Molecular Weight | 8–25 million Da |
| Hydrolysis Degree | 5–30% (duty-specific) |
| Salt Tolerance | Up to 30,000+ ppm TDS (salt-tolerant grades) |
| Temperature Stability | Up to 90°C (special grades to 120°C) |
| Typical Dosage (EOR) | 300–1,500 ppm in injection water |
| Solution Concentration | 0.1–0.3% |
| Packaging | 25 kg PP woven bags / 750 kg bulk bags |
Key Advantages
- EOR polymer flooding: high MW (18-25M) for maximum sweep efficiency
- Salt-tolerant grades hold viscosity in high-TDS formation brine
- Drilling fluid: viscosity control + shale inhibition + filtration reduction
- Fracturing: friction reducer (slickwater) and gelling agent grades
- Temperature-stable to 90°C standard, 120°C on special grades
- Bulk logistics to remote fields — 750 kg bulk bags available
Oilfield Applications
- Polymer flooding / tertiary oil recovery (EOR)
- Water-based drilling mud viscosifier
- Shale inhibition & wellbore stability
- Hydraulic fracturing friction reducer (slickwater)
- Fracturing fluid gelling agent
- Produced water clarification
Dosage Guide
EOR: 300–1,500 ppm in injection water; drilling: 1–4 kg/m³; fracturing FR: 0.5–2 gpt. Confirm by reservoir/mud test.
Frequently Asked Questions — PAM for Oilfield EOR & Drilling
Which PAM do I need for polymer flooding (EOR)?
Use high molecular weight PHPA (18-25M MW) with 25-30% hydrolysis for maximum viscosity and sweep efficiency. For high-salinity reservoirs (>10,000 ppm TDS), specify a salt-tolerant grade — standard PHPA loses viscosity in brine. We match the grade to your formation water analysis and reservoir temperature.
What is the difference between drilling grade and EOR grade PHPA?
Drilling grade is lower MW (8-15M) and lower hydrolysis (5-15%) — optimized for viscosity control, filtration reduction, and shale inhibition without over-thickening the mud. EOR grade is ultra-high MW (18-25M) for maximum injection-water viscosity. They are not interchangeable.
Can your polymer tolerate high-salinity brine?
Yes. Our salt-tolerant PHPA grades maintain viscosity at 30,000+ ppm TDS, including high divalent cation (Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺) content. Standard grades are for low-salinity injection water. Tell us your brine composition and we select accordingly.
Do you supply friction reducers for slickwater fracturing?
Yes. Our anionic friction-reducer grades achieve >65% friction reduction at 0.5-2 gallons per thousand (gpt). Available as dry powder or emulsion (fast-hydrating). We can also supply gelling-agent grades for crosslinked fracturing fluids.
What is the minimum order and how is it shipped?
MOQ is 500 kg. Standard packaging is 25 kg PP woven bags; for high-volume field operations we offer 750 kg bulk bags on pallets. We ship to oilfields worldwide including remote and offshore-supported locations.
Can you match my current imported polymer?
Yes. Send us your current product spec sheet (MW, hydrolysis, salt tolerance, temperature rating) or brand/grade name. We supply equivalent performance at 25-40% lower cost than imported EOR polymers, with a trial quantity for field validation.
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