For decades, polyacrylamide (PAM) has been the go-to polymer for enhanced oil recovery. It’s affordable, easy to use, and effective in many fields.
But as reservoirs get hotter, deeper, and saltier, standard PAM begins to fail. That’s where UV-RAFT polymerization steps in.
This modern polymerization method enables the creation of precision-designed polymers with unmatched stability and efficiency.
What is UV-RAFT Polymerization?
UV-RAFT stands for “UV-activated Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer.” It’s a controlled radical polymerization technique that utilizes special chain transfer agents and UV light to construct polymer molecules with precision.
Unlike conventional methods, UV-RAFT gives control over:
- Molecular weight
- Polymer chain length
- Charge distribution
- Structural architecture
This means the polymer is no longer random; it’s engineered for performance.
Why UV-RAFT PAM Is a Game Changer in EOR
1. Stronger Brine Tolerance
Standard PAM chains collapse when exposed to high concentrations of salt. UV-RAFT PAM, with its controlled structure, maintains its shape and viscosity, even at 150,000–200,000 ppm salinity.
2. Lower Dosage, Lower Cost
Because the polymer is more effective, operators need 30–40% less to achieve the same viscosity. This means:
- Fewer truckloads of chemicals
- Smaller on-site storage
- Lower overall cost per barrel of oil produced
3. Thermal Stability
Where regular PAM struggles above 90 °C, UV-RAFT PAM remains stable at up to 120 °C. It doesn’t break down easily, making it ideal for deep, hot reservoirs.
4. Predictable Field Performance
The uniform molecular weight results in more consistent viscosity curves, making field operations easier to control and optimize.
Field Applications of UV-RAFT PAM
- Polymer flooding in harsh salinity/temperature environments
- Conformance control to block thief zones
- Water shutoff treatments to minimize unwanted water production
Due to its stability, UV-RAFT PAM performs well across a wide range of field conditions.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Lower polymer dosage means:
- Less chemical transportation → lower emissions
- Smaller storage and handling footprint
- Less produced water contamination
In other words, it’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendlier.
Looking Ahead: Custom-Engineered Polymers
UV-RAFT isn’t just a new product; it’s a new platform. Polymers can be designed to match the exact field chemistry, whether that means high calcium levels, extreme temperature, or specific injection strategies.
Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Recover More Oil
EOR doesn’t just need polymers; it needs better polymers. UV-RAFT PAM delivers higher performance, better predictability, and lower costs, giving operators an edge in complex environments.
This is not just an evolution of PAM, it’s a transformation.