Advances in Understanding Polymer Retention in Reservoir Rocks: A Comprehensive Review

Understanding polymer retention is a critical aspect in the field of chemical-enhanced oil recovery (cEOR). This article presents a comprehensive review of polymer retention in reservoir rocks, focusing on the underlying mechanisms, measurement techniques, and the factors influencing this phenomenon. Three main (proposed) mechanisms that contribute to polymer retention are discussed in detail. Polymer adsorption, hydrodynamic retention, and mechanical entrapment are identified as key factors affecting the overall retention of polymers during flow through porous media. Also, herein, we explore the details of these mechanisms, explaining how polymer characteristics and rock surface properties influence the degree of retention. Furthermore, we analyze the influencing factors that affect polymer retention. The rock surface properties, such as surface charge and wettability, play a vital role in determining the interaction between polymers and rocks. The interplay of these factors provides valuable insights into understanding and controlling polymer retention in cEOR applications. This review paper put in a nutshell a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms, measurement techniques, and influencing factors involved.