Understanding Flow Dynamics of Complex Fluids in Porous Media: Implications for Polymer Injection and Carbon Storage Applications

The flow behavior of complex fluids in porous media is a critical factor influencing the performance of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and other subsurface engineering processes such as carbon storage. The study reveals the resistance of polymer-nanoparticle interactions despite thermal and mechanical stress, indicating a structurally resilient hybrid fluid. These insights into polymer behavior under complex flow conditions are not only essential for optimizing chemical EOR but also offer a transferable methodology for analyzing the performance of other fluids in porous media, such as supercritical CO₂ in carbon capture and storage (CCS).

WORKING PAPER

Santamaria et al.

6/30/20251 min read