Comparison of synthetic and natural polymers-oil emulsions in terms of viscous and elastic behaviors

Viscous and elastic behaviors of the crude oil-polymer emulsions were studied experimentally through Creep-recovery investigation. Two different types of polymers of Alcoflood and Xanthan were investigated in this study to represent the synthetic and bio-polymers. A Rheostress RS100 in controlled stress CS-mode was utilized to carry out all the experimental results and assessments. The viscous and elastic investigations of the crude oil-polymer emulsions were examined for polymer concentrations of 0-10(4) ppm, 0-75% by volume of crude oil, and two candidates of each polymer. This experimental study resulted that the polymer and crude oil concentrations exhibited significant impact on the compliance behavior. For polymer concentrations higher than 10(3) ppm, the crude oil-Xanthan emulsions exhibited higher recovery% than the oil-Alcoflood emulsions. The ability of the Xanthan gum to form elastic characteristic within the crude oil emulsion is higher than the Alcoflood polymer material.