Flow characteristics of xanthan solutions and their crude oil emulsions in terms of thixotropic behavior

The thixotropic characteristics of xanthan solutions and their emulsions with crude oil were investigated experimentally. Understanding these characteristics are required for the crude oil displacement mechanism by polymer solution during the enhanced oil recovery phase. RS100 rheometer with a cone and plate device was employed for this examination using controlled-rate mode. Two crude oil concentrations of 25% and 75% by volume were examined. A wide range of xanthan gum concentration of 500-10(4) ppm was covered. This study results that the aqueous solutions of xanthan gums showed thixotropic behavior. The high concentrations of xanthan solutions provide higher hysteresis loop than the solutions of lower concentrations. The existence of crude oil within the xanthan emulsions considerably elevates the thixotropic rheograms profile.