Improving Filterability of Xanthan Gum for its Successful Application in Enhanced Oil Recovery

The rheological characteristics of a new transparent xanthan material for the use in enhanced oil recovery are presented. The energy input that is necessary to dissolve xanthan in order to achieve acceptable filtration ratios increase with increasing salt concentration as well as with xanthan concentration. The viscosity of this xanthan quality is independent of the salt content in brines. The dependence of the viscosity upon temperature was tested in different brines and with various xanthan concentrations. Xanthan showed a good stability after high shear treatment at shear rates that are relevant for polymer flooding.