Experimental Investigation of the Macroscopic Displacement Efficiency of Locally Sourced Locust Bean Gum and Gum Arabic

In enhancing oil recovery through polymer flooding, the application of polymers have been basically structured around the use of commercial polymers like xanthan gum, scleroglucan, Hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, Polyacrylamide, Hydrolysed Polyacrylamide and its derivatives. The use of some of these polymer has led to negative environmental issues and also increased treatment cost prior to discharge. The cost of some of the polymers is another reason, their applicability have not been appreciated so much in the oil and gas industry. The adoption of the principles of green chemistry in the synthesis of chemicals is a sure way of ensuring pollution prevention rather pollution control. Analysis carried on these polymers showed good rheology especially at higher concentrations. The displacement efficiency of Locust bean gum (LBG) and Gum arabic were evaluated using 0.2wt% and 0.5wt% in hard brine to recover trapped oil after water flooding, the results reflected significant incremental recoveries from both the use of LBG and Gum Arabic which also correlated with rheological characterisation carried out under different saline conditions. This analysis was extended by carrying a comparative study with commercial Locust bean gum and Xanthan gum. The efficiency of locally sourced LBG and Gum Arabic revealed that they are both candidates for polymer flooding.