Quick measurement of gel strength by breakthrough vacuum value method through viscosity quantification

Through the combination of rotational viscometer method and breakthrough vacuum value method, the breakthrough vacuum value method through viscosity quantification is presented. Through testing the breakthrough vacuum value (BV) and corresponding viscosity of several systems, the standard curve was made. Then by measuring the other BV values of the system, the viscosity can be directly obtained from the curve. Taking HPAM-chromium gel system as an example, research was conducted on the relation between BV value of gel system and the corresponding viscosity under conditions of mass fractions of various polymers, mass fraction of crosslinking agent, temperature and salinity of the system. It revealed that, within the scope of experimental conditions, viscosity always showed corresponding linear change, no matter the strength of the system increased or decreased, therefore it demonstrates the reliability of breakthrough vacuum value method through viscosity quantification. By the application of hydroxypropyl guar gum-organoboron gel and xanthan gum-chromium gel, the universal adaptation of the method was further demonstrated, showing that this method accurately reflects the gel strength of the system under simple experimental conditions.