Displaying items by tag: polymer injection

In the oil and gas Industry, production declines as oilfields mature. With its enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies, BASF offers solutions that help revive oilfields in decline by maximizing extraction efficiency from the reservoir. Recently, BASF’s high molecular weight polymer and polymer injection technologies for EOR were selected to extend the life of a major oilfield in Argentina.

The design, supply, installation and commissioning of five modular polymer injection units were previously successfully completed in close collaboration with the operator. These units can minimize mechanical degradation of the polymer used in the EOR process and are part of chemical flooding projects to help increase oil recovery rates.

BASF combines standard and high-performance polymers and surfactants into EOR formulations which are tailored to specific field conditions. “A key success factor for chemical EOR projects is the multifaceted partnership with the operator throughout the life of the project,” said Damien Caby, Senior Vice President, Oilfield Chemicals and Mining Solutions, BASF. “This is where our lab-to-well chemical solutions make a difference.”

Bird's eye view of a modular polymer injection unit for enhanced oil recovery

Lab-to-well means that BASF supports its customers along the entire product development and implementation process, starting in the lab. During the design phase, BASF Enhanced Oil Recovery customizes the chemical solution to reservoir conditions through modelling and laboratory testing. The well operating conditions are considered to ensure the product is easy to implement in the field. For the implementation phase, BASF offers suitable dissolution equipment which supports product efficiency and ensures seamless well operations. Furthermore, BASF provides field support during injection.

One of five successfully installed and commissioned modular polymer injection units in Argentina at nightIn such a polymer flooding project, hydration and injection of the polymer solution with minimal mechanical degradation is essential. “The modular polymer dissolution units were designed using BASF’s vast experience in field hydration. They preserve the polymer chains and are extremely robust. The units operate remotely with minimal maintenance requirements to ensure continuous operation,” said Michael Bueschel, responsible for the enhanced oil recovery business at BASF. “The project in Argentina had a very tight schedule. We were able to meet the very challenging deadlines, while fully complying with the budget. Especially in the final phase of this project, our on-site field support was crucial for the flawless commissioning of the injection units.”

Argentina is pursuing enhanced oil recovery projects in various regions of the country. These polymer flood projects involve supply of BASF’s high molecular weight polymer (HPAM) and polymer injection units.

About BASF Enhanced Oil Recovery

BASF is a leading supplier, manufacturer and innovation partner for enhanced oil recovery. Our comprehensive and innovative product portfolio includes polymers and surfactants designed to support enhanced oil recovery operations in a large variety of field conditions, including more challenging and previously untapped reservoirs. Our product portfolio is complemented by expertise in reservoir stimulation, equipment supply and field service. Further information can be found at: www.eor.basf.com.

BASF Enhanced Oil Recovery is part of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. The division’s portfolio also includes Fuel and Lubricant Solutions, Plastic Additives, Kaolin Minerals, as well as Oilfield Chemicals and Mining Solutions. Customers from a variety of industries including Chemicals, Plastics, Consumer Goods, Energy & Resources and Automotive & Transportation benefit from our innovative solutions. To learn more, visit www.performancechemicals.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.