Dilute polymer solutions, retention behavior

This study investigates the retention behavior of dilute polymer solutions in oil sands. Results indicate that the presence of a large amount of fines and/or a variety of minerals in the sand may result in high adsorption and retention causing excessive loss of polymer and high injection pressures. Injection of a surfactant with the polymer leads to increased oil recoveries because the dilute polymer may selectively adsorb on mineral grain surfaces leaving the surfactant to act at liquid/iiquid contacts. 

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