1. n. [Enhanced Oil Recovery]

A carbohydrate composed of many monosaccharides. Polysaccharides increase the viscosity of the water slug that precedes the final water injection. However, they are not frequently used in chemical flooding operations because they generate numerous by-products that can potentially plug filters or well sandfaces, especially when they contact polyvalent cations or bacteria. Polysaccharides are also called biopolymers.

See related terms: mobility buffer,  polyacrylamide