EVALUATION OF CARBOXYMETHYLCHITIN FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY

This study covers the preparation of chitin from shrimp shells, the preparation of carboxymethylchitin from commercial chitin, the evaluation of the rheological properties of carboxymethylchitin polymer solution, the evaluation of the shear degradation of carboxymethylchitin polymer solution, and the evaluation of the temperature stability of the polymer solution.; The objective of the study of the preparation of chitin from shrimp shells was to determine how the alkali digestion temperature and the hydrochloric acid treatment time affect the efficiency of the chitin preparation. The following conclusions were inferred from the study: (1) The optimal temperature for the alkali treatment is 182(DEGREES)F (83(DEGREES)C). (2) There are no benefits in eliminating the hydrochloric treatment.; The objective of the study of the preparation of carboxymethylchitin was to find the method that would give the highest yield at the lowest cost. The following conclusions were inferred from the study: (1) The DMSO treatment can be eliminated. (2) The sodium-hydroxide treatment can be reduced to 35 minutes. (3) The time for the 2-propanolchloroacetic acid treatment can be reduced to 25 minutes.; The following conclusions were inferred from the evaluation of the potential of carboxymethylchitin to be used as a polymer in the petroleum industry: (1) The screen factor value for the polymer was higher than that found in other commercial polymers. (2) The carboxymethylchitin showed a very good resistance to shear degradation. (3) The temperature stability test showed that the carboxymethylchitin does not respond very well when it is exposed to a temperature of 180(DEGREES)F (82(DEGREES)C) for a period of 90 days. This degradation increased when the polymer was exposed to an air atmosphere. This degradation reduces the potential use of carboxymethylchitin in high temperature wells.; Overall, the carboxymethylchitin presents favorable qualities for use in an enhanced oil recovery project. The major problem with this polymer is the temperature degradation. Before any new study is conducted, it will be necessary to determine the highest temperature at which the polymer does not degrade in a 90 day period.