Clay-Sand Wettability Evaluation for Heavy Crude Oil Mobility

Abstract

In this work, the effect of distilled water, a biodiesel viscosity reducer, and a commercial nonionic surfactant on the apparent permeability of clay-sand cores through the analysis of contact angle, linear swelling, and porous media fluid flow for a northern Mexico crude oil was evaluated. The results showed that the clay content influences the contact angle values having a lower wettability effect in the rocky medium. The addition of biodiesel produces a fluid movement similar to the addition of distilled water. Biodiesel-based flow enhancer not only reduces the crude oil viscosity but also improves the flowability through porous media. However, this behavior is only valid if the soil is not saturated with salty water.