Effect of Oil-Displacing Agent Composition on Oil/Water Interface Stability of the Asphaltene-Rich ASP Flooding-Produced Water

Abstract

In this work, the effect of oil-displacing agent composition on oil/water interface stability of the asphaltene-rich alkali–surfactant–polymer (ASP) flooding-produced water was systematically investigated, especially from the perspective of the interaction between oil displacement agents and asphaltene at the oil/water interface. Primarily, adsorption behavior of the artificial and natural interfacial substances (oil displacement surfactant and asphaltenes) on the oil/water interface was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. The oil displacement surfactant and asphaltenes formed a cross-linked and compact interfacial film structure, which significantly enhanced the interface stability; the more the oil displacement surfactants adsorbed on the interface, the more stable is the cross-linked structure formed between them and asphaltenes. Then, the interfacial property variations that are originating from the interactions differences between oil displacement agents and asphaltenes were monitored via interfacial tension, zeta potential, and interfacial film rheology tests. Moreover, the effect of oil displacement agent concentrations on the interfacial film thinning and rupture kinetic behavior was further investigated. Finally, cream experiments were conducted to verify the effect of oil displacement agent composition on the oil/water separation efficiencies of asphaltene-rich ASP flooding-produced water. When 5% asphaltenes was added, the creaming oil removal rate reduced from 90.0 to 85.3% at 19 h. The interactions between asphaltenes and oil displacement agents immensely enhance the oil/water interfacial film strength and impede the oil/water separation process.

A Review of Oil–Solid Separation and Oil–Water Separation in Unconventional Heavy Oil Production Process

“…Asphaltenes are surface active, both on solid surfaces and at liquid-liquid, especially in heavy oil-water interface, where they adsorb to stabilize heavy oil-water emulsions [126]. They self-assemble and entangle, forming discoidal nanoaggregates in solution and strong, stable films at oil-water interfaces [127][128][129][130][131]. These interfacial film aggregates of asphaltene are mainly formed through the intermolecular interactions of asphaltene [132].…”

Sustainable Utilization of Surfactant-Free Microemulsion Regulated by CO2 for Treating Oily Wastes: A Interpretation of the Response Mechanism

“…Oil removal has been receiving more and more attention in the petroleum industry, , which is closely related with many practical applications, including soil conservation, enhanced oil recovery, and oily waste treatment. − Due to the more stringent environmental requirements and the complicated oil extraction processes, it is highly desired to improve the environmental friendliness and applicability of the oil removal process.…”

Synthesis and Evaluation of Interfacial Properties and Carbon Capture Capacities of the Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid Surfactant

“…In the process of chemical flooding, the effect of spontaneous emulsification and oil–water interfacial tension reduction of oil-displacing agents with residual oil and residual oil can markedly improve oil recovery. − As the key component of oil-displacing agents, the surfactant plays an irreplaceable role. , Presently, the research of enhanced oil recovery by ionic liquid surfactants is gaining progressively more attention, and the understanding of its mechanism is also advancing steadily. , One is that ionic liquid is a new type of green solvent, which is completely composed of ions . Second, the physicochemical properties of ionic liquid surfactants can be controlled by designing and selecting ionic structures.…”

“… 1 − 3 As the key component of oil-displacing agents, the surfactant plays an irreplaceable role. 4 , 5 Presently, the research of enhanced oil recovery by ionic liquid surfactants is gaining progressively more attention, and the understanding of its mechanism is also advancing steadily. 6 , 7 One is that ionic liquid is a new type of green solvent, which is completely composed of ions.…”