Abstract A technical feasibility study of a polymer-augmented waterflood process in San Francisco Field indicated that this enhanced oil recovery process might be commercially feasible. Since the feasibility study used hypothetical polymer properties, laboratory measurements of specific commercially available polymers were required. The experimental program was divided into three phases. A screening program to reduce the number of candidates. Basic fluid rheological data and quality were developed. For each polymer candidate, four polymer concentrations in three different salinity brines were prepared. Screen Factor tests, Filtration Ratio and viscosity measurements were obtained for each solution. The results were compared to select the best polymers for further testing.Core flooding experiments of the selected candidates. Parameters describing the rock polymer interactions (polymer adsorption and residual resistance factor) were developed. The polymer flow properties (viscosity versus shear rate) developed in the first phase were tuned to match the core flow experiments in a reservoir simulation model.A thermal aging study to verify that the selected polymer does not degrade significantly at reservoir temperature over time. This was a long-term test (six months duration).This paper describes the application of the procedures described in the American Petroleum institute publication RP63, dated June 1, 1990, "Recommended Practices for Evaluation of Polymers Used in Enhanced Oil Recovery Operations", and a case history of laboratory testing of polymer flood candidates.