Rheological study of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide-hexamine-pyrocatechol gel system

Background: The cross-linked polymer gels exhibit non-Newtonian rheological behavior which can be described well by the different types of rheological models. This study investigates the onset of gelation behavior of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide-hexamine-pyrocatechol polymer gel system which may be used to control excessive water production in the oil fields. Rheological measurements of this system have been performed at different time intervals and pH at 90°C. Attempts have been made to validate the onset of gelation behavior with Bingham plastic, Herschel-Bulkley, Mizrahi-Berk, and Robertson-Stiff model. Results: It was observed that the developed polymer gel system under the present study has better agreement with the Robertson-Stiff model. Conclusions: The viscosity of cross-linked polymer gel solution increases with temperature with the passage of time. This increased viscosity leads to gel formation which in turn behaves as flow diverting agent or blocking agent for controlling excessive water production in the oil fields.