Research Progress on Rapid Dissolution Technology of Polymers for Offshore Oilfields

Abstract

As global onshore oil and gas resources gradually become depleted, offshore oilfields are playing an increasingly critical role in energy supply. Polymer flooding represents a highly efficient chemical enhanced oil recovery technique in an offshore oil field, yet its offshore application is constrained by slow dissolution, large footprint requirements, and significant viscosity loss. Consequently, rapid polymer dissolution has emerged as a prominent research focus. This paper systematically reviews the research progress in rapid dissolution technologies for offshore oil-displacement polymers worldwide, classifying them into four categories: physical dissolution enhancement (intensified stirring, forced stretching, high-gravity treatment, and ultrasonic processing), chemical dissolution enhancement (cosolvent and surfactant assistance), physicochemical modification of polymers, and multitechnology composite dissolution methods. By comparing the advantages and limitations of different approaches, suitable strategies for offshore environments are summarized, and future development directions are prospected, providing theoretical support for offshore polymer flooding.