Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide PHPA for Oil & Gas Drilling and Enhanced Oil Recovery in Freshwater and Brine Systems

Product Overview

Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide (PHPA) is a high molecular weight, water-soluble anionic polymer widely used in oilfield applications. It plays a critical role in both oil and gas drilling fluids and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) polymer flooding systems.

The BLUFLOC® PHPA series is engineered for reliable performance in freshwater, sodium brines, calcium brines, and KCl-based systems, offering strong adaptability to different reservoir and drilling conditions.

By combining rheology control, shale stabilization, fluid loss reduction, and mobility control functions, PHPA serves as a versatile oilfield polymer for modern upstream operations.

PHPA for Oil & Gas Drilling Fluids

In drilling operations, PHPA functions as a multifunctional polymer additive that improves overall mud performance.

Shale Stabilization

PHPA adsorbs onto shale and clay surfaces, forming a protective polymer membrane that reduces hydration, swelling, and dispersion. This helps maintain borehole stability in reactive formations.

Viscosity & Rheology Control

High molecular weight PHPA enhances drilling fluid viscosity, improving cuttings suspension and hole cleaning efficiency while maintaining stable circulation performance.

Fluid Loss Reduction

By strengthening the mud cake structure, PHPA reduces filtrate invasion into formations and protects productive zones from damage.

Friction Reduction & Lubrication

PHPA forms a thin lubricating film on metal and solid surfaces, lowering torque and drag in directional and horizontal drilling operations.

PHPA for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Beyond drilling fluids, PHPA is widely used in tertiary oil recovery through polymer flooding.

Mobility Control

In water flooding operations, injected water can bypass oil due to unfavorable mobility ratios. PHPA increases injection water viscosity, improving the mobility ratio between water and crude oil.

Improved Sweep Efficiency

Higher viscosity injection fluid expands the swept reservoir area, reduces channeling, and increases contact with residual oil.

Reservoir Conformance Improvement

PHPA stabilizes the displacement front, minimizing early water breakthrough and enhancing ultimate oil recovery.

Suitable for Freshwater and Brine Systems

One of the key advantages of PHPA polymer is its adaptability to various water qualities.

PHPA performs effectively in:

• Freshwater-based drilling systems

• KCl inhibited mud systems

• Sodium chloride brines

• Calcium brine environments

• Treated injection water for polymer flooding

Its chemical stability allows it to function across a wide pH range and varying salinity conditions.

Technical Characteristics

• Polymer Type: Anionic Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide (PHPA)

• Molecular Weight: Very High to Ultra-High

• Degree of Hydrolysis: Medium to High

• Solubility: Fully water-soluble

• Effective pH Range: 5–14

• Application Forms: Powder and Emulsion

Multiple grades are available to match specific drilling depths, reservoir permeability, and injection design parameters.

Application Guidelines

For drilling applications:

• Typical solution concentration: 0.1%–0.3%

• Hydration temperature: 10–40 °C

• Proper dispersion and mixing recommended

For EOR polymer flooding:

• Typical injection concentration: 0.05%–0.3% (field dependent)

• Low shear preparation systems recommended to preserve molecular structure

Correct preparation ensures maximum polymer efficiency and performance stability.

Why Choose BLUFLOC® PHPA

• Professional oilfield polymer manufacturer

• Consistent molecular weight and hydrolysis control

• Broad grade selection for drilling and EOR applications

• Stable performance in freshwater and brine systems

• Technical support for drilling fluid and reservoir optimization

• Reliable global supply capability

Contact for Technical Support

For TDS, MSDS, viscosity data, or application guidance, contact Bluwat Chemicals.
Our technical team can recommend the most suitable PHPA grade for your drilling fluid system or EOR project.